SWFL 2022: Nine-goal haul from star forwards helps Augusta-Margaret River to 37-point win over Collie

A nine-goal haul from veteran forwards Mitch Gerrans and Tim Noakes has helped Augusta-Margaret River hold off Collie Eagles to secure a 37-point win. The Hawks travelled up the hill to the Collie Recreation Ground to take on the Eagles during round 17 of the 2022 SWFL season on Sunday. From the outset, both teams were putting the pressure on each other with Collie managing the first score of the afternoon with a behind. However, Augusta-Margaret River responded with Noakes scoring the first goal of the match. Although Collie managed to amp up the pressure creating scoring opportunities but were inaccurate with their kicking. The Hawks also missed targets in front of goal, with a number of kicks falling just short, although Gerrans managed to slot a goal. A late major from Javan McKenzie brought the Eagles back to trail 2.3 (15) to 1.5 (11) at quarter-time. The Eagles made a fast start during the second term with strong defensive pressure and quickly driving the ball forward. However, chances of taking the lead slipped from Collie’s grasp with a number of minor scores kicked until Jayce Fontana booted a major in response to a second Gerrans goal for the Hawks. The Hawks seemed to kick into a new gear with Jack McMahon putting on a strong showing across the half-back line while Gerrans and Noakes continued booting goals. As Reece Pilatti scored a goal in a bid to bring the Eagles back once again, Hawks’ Beau Morgan and Ben Taylor responded with goals of their own to blow the lead out to 28 points at half-time. In the third quarter the contest reached a stalemate with both teams continuing to put the pressure on each other and lay hard-hitting tackles. In the midst of interceptions limiting scoring opportunities for both teams, Collie only managed two points while the Hawks only scored a single behind for the term. At the final change, the Hawks led 8.6 (54) to 3.9 (27). In the final quarter, both teams continue to bring the heat in the physical contest, with Collie’s Cameron Davidson booting the first goal of the term. While it seemed as though Collie would fight back in a bid to reduce the margin, the Hawks laid on the tackles and quickly drove the ball forward, allowing Noakes and Gerrans to continue racking up the goals. Despite a second goal from Fontana, it was not enough for Collie to topple Augusta-Margaret River, with the Hawks holding strong to take the win 11.10 (76) to 5.9 (39).