Swans’ premiership dreams shattered by Stanhope

By Adam Miller

Sep 3, 2024

Josh Carrafa in action against Stanhope on Sunday, September 1. Photos: Andy Wilson Photo by Andy Wilson

Avenel exited the Kyabram District Football Netball League reserves competition on Sunday, going down by 29 points to Stanhope.

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The Swans arrived at Undera Recreation Reserve as slight favourites, having knocked off the Lions by 18 points when they made the trip to Stanhope in round four.

Josh Carrafa and Braydon Buckley in action against Stanhope on Sunday, September 1. Photo by Andy Wilson

Coming off a comprehensive 85-point demolition of Tallygaroopna in the elimination final, the Swans were confident of adding another victory to their six-game unbeaten streak.

But the Lions took command of the game from the opening bounce, opening up a two-goal lead at quarter-time, with Andrew Dowling the only Swan to score.

Avenel’s Ryan Carrafa and Stanhope’s Shane Bakers fight for the ball at Undera Recreation Reserve. Photo by Andy Wilson

The margin grew to 17 points at half-time as Stanhope won the second quarter three goals to two.

Avenel fans who had made the 90km journey north would have been disappointed that their side’s fortunes did not change, as the Lions effectively ended the contest with a four-goal-to-none third quarter.

While they did win the last quarter nine points to one, it was too little too late for the Swans, as the Lions ran out victors by 29 points.

On a tough day, Scott Richardson, Tyson McCoomb, Matthew Lomax, Thomas Dando, Thomas Gurkin and Jai Heers were the best for the Swans.

Next up for Stanhope is a semi-final date with Lancaster at Tallygaroopna on Sunday.