Hawks’ upset win over minor premiers locks in spot in GDFL decider

INVERLEIGH Football Club’s dream second half to 2023 has taken a massive step forward with a 9.10.63 to 11.7.73 win over minor premiers Thomson this afternoon (Saturday, September 2) at St Albans Reserve.

The Hawks’ Second Semi-Final win over the Tigers puts them into this season’s Geelong & District Football League (GDFL) Grand Final on September 16, while the Tigers will need to win next week’s Preliminary Final to keep its season alive.

Despite building a 5.0.30 to 3.1.19 lead over the Hawks in the first term, Thomson flatlined in the second quarter, failing to register a single point.

Inverleigh remained steady in front of the big sticks, kicking four goals in the second term and leading 30-46 at half-time.

Thomson took a page out of Inverleigh’s book and kept the Hawks scoreless in the third to lead by one point at three-quarter time, 47-46.

Hawks coach Chris Moore and his side came out of the final break with a four-goal blitz in the fourth, keeping Thomson goalless again and running away with the match by 22 points.

Inverleigh’s Paddy Bourke (two goals), Adam Donohue (two goals), Luke Wilson (two goals), Mason Dickson, James Hussey, vice-captain Jarrod Love, Nathan Mayes, and Matt Tyquin all registered goals in today’s win.

Wilson, Love, Finley O’Keefe, Bradley Surkitt, Ryan Robertson, and Mitch Elford were named best-on-ground for the Hawks, while Mick Barnett, Charley Donohue, Stephen Salajan, Jacques, Mitch Sheedy, and Travis McGuire were named the same for Thomson.

Thomson’s Brent Jacques led all goal-scorers with four majors, while Andrew Mead-Harding added three to the ledger. Jordan Camm and Daniel Freeman kicked a goal each.

Inverleigh will play for its first premiership win since 1992 in a fortnight’s time on September 16, following its Finals Week 3 bye.

Inverleigh lost the Grand Final in 2022 to Bannockburn, who were eliminated from premiership contention last weekend.

Thomson will face either East Geelong or Bell Post Hill, who play tomorrow afternoon (Sunday, September 3), in next week’s Preliminary Final.