Round 10 of AFL Masters SA saw the Riverland Superdogs play their last home game for 2022 against newcomers to the competition Tea Tree Gully at Lyrup Oval. Illness and injury prevented both sides from fielding full sides so the game went ahead but with shorter quarters. The weather was perfect for football with only a slight breeze which gave no advantage to either side.
Both sides were evenly matched and it was goal for goal game in the first quarter. Onballers Dale Lellmann and Blake Wierda combined well with Jason King at centre half forward to create scoring opportunities. Full forward Michael Kruger led strongly, marked well and kicked truly to give the Superdogs a nine point lead at quarter time.
The visitors outplayed the Superdogs in the second quarter, kicking 2 goals to one in a tough arm wrestle. By the main break Tea Tree Gully had reduced the margin to 2 points.
The third quarter was again won by Tea Tree Gully as injured ruckman Greg Schloithe struggled at the hit outs. Tea Tree Gully held the Superdogs goalless while kicking 2 of their own to take a 12 point lead into the final change.
At three quarter time Superdogs coach Darren Tieste made his move. Totally unflustered he calmly told his players to keep going and compete hard. At the same time he moved Greg Schloithe to centre half back and Darren Kennedy into the ruck. The move paved the way for the Superdogs to kick 4 goals to 2 in an inspiring final quarter comeback. Paul Glassey kicked a goal in the final minute to give victory to the home side by 1 point.
A hard, tough high class game played in true Masters fashion, well umpired by umpires Ben Meuret and Steve Lynch. Play of the day was Chris Minerds in the back pocket ambling after the ball thinking he had plenty of time & space then realising the ball was going over the line and unsuccessfully rushing to keep the ball in play – all in front of an amused audience in the Superdogs dug out.
An AFL Masters SA Mini Carnival will be held on August 28 at West Adelaide Football Club in preparation for the National Carnival in September.
The Riverland Superdogs last game for the season will be an away game against East Hectorville on September 11.
Final score:
Riverland Superdogs 10.8.68 def Tea Tree Gully 10.7.67
Best Players:
D Lellmann, J King, M Kruger, B Wierda, D Kennedy, G Schloithe
Goal Scorers:
M Kruger 5; R Johnstone, D Lellmann, J King, G Schloithe, P Glassey
Location
Lyrup Oval, Downer Avenue, Lyrup SA 5333
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