Aspley bounces back against Redland to grab third spot on ladder

Aspley recovered from two goals behind at quarter time to record a 45-point victory over Redland at Scottsdale Park and jump into third position on the NEAFL ladder.

Redland had most of the run in the first quarter, however a seven-goal-to-one second term paved the way for the Hornets’ 22.9 (141) to 15.6 (96) victory.

For Aspley, it was the usual suspects who led the way with James Ives finding 29 disposals alongside stalwart Matt Payne who recorded 24 disposals and five tackles.

Jordan Hayden was a standout for the Hornets with 30 disposals to go alongside five marks and a goal. Jake Spencer again filled the stat sheet for the Hornets with 47 hit-outs, 20 disposals, seven marks and a goal.

Redland’s first quarter pressure was immense with the Bombers dominating hard ball gets 16-5 in the first term. However, a second quarter blitz of goals from Aspley saw Redland unable to run with the Hornets and play catch up.

For Redland, the ever-reliable Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds led his teammates in disposals with 25. Ruckmen Craig Malone was named best on ground for the Bombers after his 55 hit-out, 22 disposal game which also included two goals.

Aspley returned to the winners circle this week after their loss to Sydney University last weekend. Hornets coach Daniel Webster was happy with the performance following the loss.

“Sydney University outplayed us last week, they were a bit cleaner and a bit stronger and wanted the contest a bit more than we did last week,” he told neafl.com.au.

“That’s what we had to turn around and I thought we did a good job today.”

Aspley’s resurgence from a 2-5 start to top three has been well noted with the Hornets mid-season form turning a lot of heads amongst the competition. 

“I think the understanding and comfort of the system has gotten better as the years gone on, as long as we all play our role then we’re a good football side,” Webster said when asked about the Hornets change of fortunes. 

Aspley take on the fourth-placed Sydney Swans next weekend with the winner creating some breathing room in third spot, with only percentage separating the two sides. 

“It’ll be a massive challenge for us, they have elite players throughout and we’re going to have to bring our best stuff,” Webster said of the matchup. 

Redland has the bye this week, no doubt welcomed by the players after such a physical contested match before taking on Sydney University in two weeks’ time.  

Redland Bombers v Aspley Hornets at Scottsdale Park

ASPLEY 4.2 11.6 17.8 22.9 (141)
REDLAND 6.2 7.2 10.4 15.6 (96)

GOALS – Aspley: C Stackelberg 4 W Murphy 3 J Coghlan 3 J Freeman 3 J Craven 2 B Batchelor C Carseldine J Giles J Hayden J Ives J Spence C Stackelberg. Redland: C Cameron 3 C Malone 2 S Miller S Ryan M Stallard M Thomson P Yagmoor S Cormick S Cunnington J Currie M Hammelmann W Johnson.
BEST – Aspley: D Lawrence J Ives J Craven J Hayden C Stackelberg J Giles. Redland: C Malone H Bertoli-Simmonds B Sam A Christensen S Miller.

Don’t forget to download our free NEAFL App, featuring live Champion Data stats, player bios and more! Available now from the Google Play and Apple stores.

Have your say! Follow the NEAFL on Twitter (@neaflofficial), Instagram (@neaflofficial) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/neaflofficial).