Gibson into the Grand Final, Esperance to play Newtown-Condingup

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a win like that, on their oval…” Those were the triumphant words of one of the Gibson Football Club faithful after their dominant win over the reigning premiers Esperance. The game had its twists but the Tigers maintained a stronger style of football for longer to win.

Gibson started with a bang. A quick clearance thanks to the hard work of Bridge, McAllister and Jannings, who were prolific all day, gave Smith a chance to open up the proceedings. He missed but soon later the Gibson supporters were up and roaring after league debutant Johan Counciller danced around a couple defenders and sealed a goal from the pocket. It set he wheels in motion for the away side who dominated the first quarter. Jake Graham was a presence across the half-forward line and several strong spoils by BJ Whiting meant the teams went into the huddle 2.4-16 (Gibson) to 1.2-8 (Bulldogs)

Gibson continued their surge into the second quarter, moving the ball smoothly and consistently forwards thanks to the handy ruckwork from Bridge and Melican, who alternated between the middle and attack. The Gibson side were able to chip and move the ball freely and went up by three goals midway through the quarter. Esperance responded however and several ill-disciplined Gibson tackles and then a consequent 50m penalty saw the Bulldogs score through Neill, and go into the main break 14 points behind.

Esperance came out of the blocks after the main break mounting a strong charge with probing attacks from Bourne and Hepburn medallist White. The Gibson defence struggled under the pressure but held the Esperance forwards at bay, with errant goal kicking helping their cause. White capped off an already strong game with a twisting and turning snap from the contest to get some reward for their mids solid work, but Gibson responded immediately. Smith kicked a wonderful crumbing goal, which led the way for two more as the Tigers approached an unlikely win.

The game lost its edge in the last quarter with Gibson kicking 5 goals to steadily run away with the game. Melican finished with four and Bowman kicked a clever, quick snap out of nowhere to get his name on the highlights reel. The home side scored two quick consolation goals, but it was all too little too late.

The match was set up in the middle, with McAllister and Jannings simply brilliant across the four quarters, with the Gibson bigs dominating around the ground. Whiting could have had mark of the year, if it were paid, and it was unfortunate not to be having pulled it down from the heavens only for it to be dislodged when he contacted the game.

The win entitles Gibson to a well-earned break. Esperance on the other hand will play Newtown in the prelim, who had a brilliant win over Ports in the other semi-final. The reigning premiers have been crippled with injuries this year, sustaining two in the game against Gibson. They will hope to welcome a host of players when they compete against Newtown-Condi, with both teams desperate to win the right to play in the Grand Final.