Carey Park clings onto top spot on the 2018 South West Football League ladder after its 17-point win over Collie Eagles on the weekend.
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Players, coaching staff, and fans overcame Saturday afternoon’s blustery conditions at Kelly Park.
Ready for an entertaining showdown, both teams witnessed an address from indigenous citizens.
Round six/indigenous round was significant to both sides. The teams donned signature jumpers in support of the occasion.
On the field, the Panthers were unstoppable within the first few minutes.
Helped by a strong wind throughout the first quarter, the team made the right decision after winning the toss.
Ryan Bennell opened the floodgates for the Panthers, kicking the side’s first goal.
Midfielders from both teams tussled for control of the game. The tug-of-war style of play kept the scores low throughout the term.
The Eagles nabbed just two points as Carey Park ran out to an 11-point lead at the first change.
A snap kick from Eli Hill extended the Panthers’ lead in the second term.
After a sluggish start to the quarter, the Eagles picked up steam and nabbed their first goal halfway through the term.
Goals from Aaron Elari and Blair Malatesta pulled their side back from the brink before the main break.
The momentum swung in Carey Park’s favour during the third quarter.
Two quick goals from Riese Wilkey pushed out the Panthers’ lead.
Following a series of missed opportunities from the visitors, the Carey Park crowd roared as Jordan Yarran slotted Carey Park’s seventh goal.
The fourth quarter began with controversy. After a brief lapse, the umpires confirmed Eagle Luke Slater’s goal.
Believing the ball had been touched on the line, the Panthers crowd was displeased with the decision.
From that point on, Collie kicked into gear and took advantage of the light breeze.
Following Malatesta’s second and third goals, Joel Leeson kicked the Eagles’ sixth to keep them in the contest.
Overshadowing the Eagles’ fourth-quarter efforts, goals from Hill and Blake Helgeland led to a 9.9.63 to 6.10.46 win for Carey Park.
Collie will be playing bottom of the ladder team Harvey Bulls at home in round seven.
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