WITH its undefeated record on the line and a chance to get one step closer to finals footy, South Gawler was leaving nothing to chance as it smacked Willaston from the first bounce in Saturday’s A-grade Barossa Light & Gawler Football Association fixture.
With one team flying and one team reeling from a mid-season coaching change, the sides played exactly as one would expect with that context as the Lions opened up a 7.5 (47) to 0 lead at quarter time.
The following two quarters were much more competitive, but South Gawler seemed to meet very little resistance every time it won the ball back and looked to counter.
A 63-20 halftime lead turned into a 102-45 three-quarter-time margin, before the Lions tacked on the only 17 points scored in the fourth quarter as the Donnybrooks ended with a whimper to finish a 17.17 (119) to 7.3 (45).
South Gawler captain Jackson Dare said it was more than pleasing to see 10 different goal kickers, headlined by Dean Cutting with three goals.
“I think we are getting a really even contribution from all players on the ground” he said.
“We aren’t as reliant on a few to do it all which is a real positive… we have a great mix up forward at the moment with Press, Bartsch and Willemsen giving us great targets.
“Our midfield is also kicking goals – (coach) Gavin Chaplin has really pushed a selfless attitude when it comes to this – it doesn’t matter who kicks them.”
Dom Costanzo was absolutely everywhere for the Lions as part of a midfield that Dare credited with the game’s early success.
“Our midfield worked hard and were first to the ball,” he said.
“The forward line pressure also caused a lot of stoppages in our forward half, which we kicked three goals from in the first quarter.”
Darcy Judd-Smith and Patrick White both played superb games for the second week in a row, while youngster Bailey Fielke kicked a pair of goals in a silky showing.
South Gawler has an excellent chance to remain undefeated next week as it hosts the winless Tanunda in a game where a win would make finals almost a reality, while Willaston gets a much-needed week off to regroup.