UPDATE: The Barnawartha Tigers launched a stunning seven-goal final quarter blitz to crush the Chiltern Swans by 39 points in the qualifying final at Sandy Creek on October 14, 2023. In a match that was tightly contested for three quarters, the Tigers turned the tide dramatically, finishing with a score of 12.11 (83) to 6.8 (44).
Despite perfect conditions on the fast deck, the first half of the match saw both teams struggle to find the goal. The Tigers led by a narrow margin of 5.10 to 5.6 at halftime, setting the stage for a tense final quarter. The Swans initially took the lead when Bodie Hibberson scored early, but that would be their last taste of the front.
Barnawartha’s Jarrad Farwell quickly regained the lead with a remarkable goal from 40 meters, followed by Matt Dalbosco capitalizing on Swans’ errors to extend the margin. The momentum shifted firmly to the Tigers, culminating in a barrage of goals from Kaiden Withers, Sam Johnson, Tom Carter, and Oscar Willding, who capped off the scoring with a celebratory gesture that electrified the Tiger army.
This victory came at a significant cost for the Swans. Star recruit Brayden O’Hara suffered a calf injury just minutes into the match, effectively sidelining him and severely impacting Chiltern’s hopes of reaching a fourth consecutive grand final.
Tigers’ coach Adam Mudra expressed his pride in his team’s performance, particularly their ability to respond under pressure. “We made the most of the opportunities in that last quarter. Our young legs thrived in the open space,” Mudra stated. He emphasized the team’s growth and resilience throughout the season, noting their capacity to rise to challenges.
Chiltern, who entered the match with experience from the previous three grand finals, now faces uncertainty. The loss is not just a setback but could mark the end of their title aspirations this season.
As the dust settles at Sandy Creek, all eyes will be on how both teams respond in the upcoming matches. The Tigers will carry their momentum forward, while the Swans must regroup and recover from a devastating defeat. The future of both teams hangs in the balance, making next week’s matchups critical for their respective campaigns.
