Aaron Degreef
BAROSSA District capped off its terrific Barossa, Light & Gawler under 15 season by defeating Tanunda by 31 points in Saturday’s grand final at Freeling Oval.
The Dogs got off to a quick start with Cooper Gilchrist kicking truly to get the scoreboard ticking.
Tanunda’s backline was overrun again as Nathan Weinhengst read the ball well and guided through his set-shot.
Despite the Pies seemingly lifting, the Dogs were off the leash as Sam Sibbick and Austin McDonald brought their team’s total to 5.2 to Tanunda’s no score at quarter-time.
However, Barossa slowed down somewhat during the second term, which enabled Tanunda’s Brock Wilksch to seize the opportunity and open his team’s account.
The Pies’ forward pressure and possession count improved considerably, allowing Sam Noack to shine with an impressive mark and goal.
Tanunda had clawed its way back into the match, and trailed by 21 points at half-time.
After the main break, Barossa rebounded with Josh Davey bombing the ball through the big sticks.
Hamish Martin then provided some much needed inspiration for the Pies with an impressive snap.
The Dogs’ margin had increased back out to 31 points at three-quarter-time, and it seemed more than enough for victory.
Just like he started the match, Gilchrist out bodied his man, swallowed the precision pass from his team-mate, and converted his set-shot to get Barossa off to the perfect start in the final term.
This was followed by Weinhengst, deep within the forward line, beating Tanunda’s defenders with three bounces into an open goal square, and booting it through to put the final nail in the coffin.
Ecstatic with the win, Barossa coach Jamie Sibbick praised his side’s performance.
“We won the game with our first quarter,” he said.
“Our ball movement was clean and fast, which is our game plan, and then the game was fairly even although we didn't kick as accurately as we could have.
“I'd love to coach the under 15 age group again…I’m just waiting for club to appoint or ask me or apply again.”
Barossa’s Austin McDonald received the Mickan Medal as best on ground for his dominance through the midfield and up forward.