The Deni Rovers made their way to Waaia to face the ladder-leading Bombers in Picola League action on Saturday.
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Conditions were ideal for football, but a little wet underfoot due to passing rain.
The home side showcased their authority early, getting several forward 50 entries.
When the Rovers got the ball in transition, they didn’t help themselves with costly turnovers.
This led to Waaia taking the lead at the first change, with 4.6 (30) to 1.1 (7).
The Rovers kept themselves in the game in the second quarter, but the away side created more chances from their midfield play and created turnovers of their own.
Waaia still managed to kick three goals to finish the half as the Rovers won the quarter by a point.
After half-time, Waaia managed to get the ball forward with damaging attacks.
The Rovers got some chances but couldn’t put the advantage on the scoreboard.
Going into the last quarter, Waaia led by 40 points.
The physicality of the match also increased. A Waaia player was sent off for 15 minutes after a late hit and some extra push and shove after the play.
The Rovers started the final quarter well, kicking three goals and three behinds, before a barrage of deep Bomber entries led to them kicking five goals in the last quarter to win by 51 points.
The Rovers midfield rotation of Logan Ives, Tyson Willis and Alex Hay swung momentum for their team despite the result.
Captain Hayden Barker kicked three straight goals on his return, and Dannon Leetham chipped in with one.
Out of the middle, Waylon Johncock and Cam Wills were the other damaging goal kickers with two each.
Andrew Simpson was also important all over the ground, while Taj Payne put his body on the line, bobbing up in the forward line.
Final Score: Deni Rovers 8.9 (57) def by Waaia 16.12 (108).
Goals: Hayden Barker 3, Waylon Johncock 2, Cam Wills 2, Dannon Leetham.
Best: Alex Hay, Logan Ives, Andrew Simpson, Tyson Willis, Waylon Johncock, Taj Payne.
Reserves
The weather was bitterly cold, and unfortunately so was Rovers' start against old rivals Waaia.
The visitors struggled to find their rhythm in the opening term, managing just five behinds and trailing at the first break.
After quarter-time, however, the boys found another gear.
In what remained a hard-fought contest, the Rovers gradually took control of the game, winning the key battles around the ground before pulling away to record an impressive eight-goal victory.
Ben Littmann made a successful return, kicking four goals and providing a strong target in the forward line.
Bailey Caruso, Brody Wills and Dylan Mills each added two majors, while new ruckman Harry Turner also hit the scoreboard with a goal.
Bobby Hall continued his outstanding form with another dominant performance and was well supported by Aden Bermingham, Brayden Jones, Damian Hope and Andrew May, all of whom were named among the best players.
Daniel Mison was relentless in defence and also earned best-player honours while equalling the club record for most games played, a remarkable achievement and a testament to his commitment and longevity.
Final score: Deni Rovers 11.13 (79) def Waaia 3.5 (23).
Goals: Ben Littmann 4, Bailey Caruso 2, Brody Wills 2, Dylan Mills 2, Harry Turner.
Best: Bobby Hall, Daniel Mison, Aden Bermingham, Brayden Jones, Damian Hope, Andrew May.
Thirds
No opposition.
Fourths
The Rovers travelled to Waaia with both teams sitting inside the top eight, setting the scene for what was expected to be a close contest.
Missing several players through injury, the Rovers gave a number of younger players the opportunity to make their debut.
The visitors dominated the first half, kicking 6.10 to a solitary point.
Ged O'Donnell, Taj McCully and Sam Strong were influential through the midfield, while Carter Sartore controlled centre halfback.
Up forward, Jett Boyer, Lennix Leetham and Cormick Hardman provided plenty of scoreboard pressure.
Deni lifted another gear after half-time, producing some of their best football of the season to kick 12.4 while keeping Waaia scoreless.
One of the highlights of the day was Will Reid kicking his first goal, courtesy of a selfless handball from captain Taj McCully in the goal square, much to the delight of his teammates.
Despite being undermanned, the Rovers delivered an outstanding team performance to record a convincing victory.
Final score: Deni Rovers 18.14 (122) def Waaia 0.1 (1).
Goals: Jett Boyer 3, Taj McCully 3, Lennix Leetham 3, Cormick Hardman 2, Jed Fitzmaurice 2, Michael Benger, Callan Leiper, William Reid, Angus Knuckey, Carter Sartore.
Best: Taj McCully, Carter Sartore, Jed Fitzmaurice, Ged O’Donnell, Jett Boyer, Lennix Leetham.
Fifths
The Fifths enjoyed a great morning, although they were slow out of the blocks early.
Ryder Boyer got Rovers on the board with the first goal, and from there the team found its rhythm and played with plenty of energy.
Bertie Landale, Tate Parlato and Zion Tamati were fierce in the tackle, while Leo Herberte and Logan Littmann worked hard through the middle to keep the ball moving forward.
In the final quarter, Knox Sartore, Paddy Howard, Arley Bulmer and Max Blacklock all stood strong in attack, continuing to apply pressure and create opportunities.
It was another encouraging performance from the young Rovers, with great effort and teamwork displayed across the ground.
Final score: Not scored.