Redemption, of sorts, for ‘Burra

East Point 11.8 (74) defeated by Sebastopol 13.14 (92)

ONE of the more remarkable grand final replays in recent memory, Sebastopol exacted a level of revenge against East Point last Saturday at the Eastern Oval in the opening round of the McDonalds Ballarat Football League.

Trailing by 29-points at half time, the writing was on the wall for ‘Burra as to whether or not their 2019 grand final appearance was a fluke.

But what followed was a passionate and gusty response from a side that now many would think are going to be a serious premiership contender in season 2021.

Both sides were forced to make late changes with Mickitja Rotumah-Onus and Samuel Cue coming in for Jordan Johnston and Aden Nestor for the reining premiers; while spearhead Michael Powell was a late call up for Sebas.

Veteran Brad Whittaker looked at his dominate best with two first quarter goals securing a 13-point first term lead along, and boom recruit James Lukich starting his Kangas career in fine fashion with an opening term goal and three majors for the day as the standout for East Point.

Sebas did begin to amount some sort of a comeback, but poor execution in front of the big sticks was costly along with some ill-disciplined play that resulted in the Pointers slamming home four unanswered goals to close the half.

The Burra needed a lift and coach Michael Searle turned to his new generation with Jed Hill, Adam Haslett and Mick Lockyer all finding an avenue to goal in their debuts for the club in the second half.

James Keeble and Toby Hutt combined for five goals with the Kangas unable to match ‘Burras key forwards in the shootout when Whittaker left the field midway the third term and failed to return.

With a clear instruction to lower their eyes and utilize pace on the overlap, Sebas were able to slam home seven of eight goals in the third term to pinch a three quarter time lead.

At the 17-minute mark of the final term, Hutt once again, as he had all afternoon, rose highest amongst a pack of players and took a strong contested mark and on this occasion was good enough to convert and seal the 18-point victory.

After not playing football for 18-months Sebas are rewarded with the week off next week which will give some of their stars, including ex-Brisbane Lion Matt Austin and superstar midfielder Luke Kiel, enough time to recover for their round three clash with Melton at the newly renovated McPherson Park.

On the flip side for the Kangas, they host Lake Wendouree under lights once again at the Eastern Oval, where they will want to be victorious and keep their dream of three-peat on track.