Aspley grinds out breakthrough victory against Redland

Aspley has won its first match of the season, grinding out a 53-point victory to win the annual Quandamooka-Turrbal Trophy against Redland at Scottsdale Park on Sunday.

The Bombers shot out of the blocks in the opening term to lead by 17 points, but the Hornets worked themselves to a 50-point around by the last change on their way to a convincing 18.19 (127) to 10.14 (74) victory.

Coming in to the clash with a 0-3 start, Aspley coach Daniel Webster said it was pleasing to simply secure the four points.

“It’s always good to get the first one (win),” he told neafl.com.au.

“Its just good to get validation for the work you’ve put in. You think you’ve done the right things, you think you’re training hard, but when you’re not winning it’s not very nice.”

The Hornets didn’t have it all go their way, as Redland started the match in red-hot fashion in a free-flowing opening term.

Boyd Bailey was on fire with three first term goals, as the Bombers booted six majors to three for an early ascendency where Redland’s clearance work and quick movement in to the forward line caught their opposition napping.

Aspley reduced the scoring in the second as both teams squandered multiple opportunities; the Hornets kicking 5.8 to Redland’s 1.6.

But it was the third term where the match truly turned in to Aspley’s favour, keeping Redland goalless while finding four of their own to open up a match-winning 33-point lead at the last change.

“They were definitely hurting us on the outside (early on). The challenge that I put forward to the players was to get our contested ball area better,” Webster said.

“I think after quarter-time we were well on top in contested footy, and that really was the key for us which allowed us to control the game.”

Billy Murphy booted six goals – four coming in the final term – and Jono Freeman three amongst six multiple goal scorers for Aspley.

The match was largely dominated by key position players around the ground. Liam Dawson was terrific in defence for Aspley, even taking a speccy on the wing which set up and eventual goal to Murphy in the second term.

Jake Spencer and Craig Malone’s battle in the ruck was a treat to watch, with both players amongst their side’s best performers on the day.

Spencer ended with 17 disposals (13 contested), eight marks and 28 hit-outs, whilst Malone had 19 disposals (15 contested), five marks and 42 hit-outs.

Two-time NEAFL Team of the Year member Adrian Williams was another standout in defence for the Bombers, working his way towards 19 disposals, six marks and five rebound 50s before being thrown forward in the latter stages of the match.

Redland will now have a bye next week, and Aspley will host Gold Coast at Voxson Oval on Saturday.

Redland v Aspley at Scottsdale Park

ASPLEY 3.4 8.12 12.15 18.19 (127)
REDLAND 6.3 7.9 7.12 10.14 (74)

GOALS – Aspley: W Murphy 6 J Freeman 3 T Baulch 2 C Stackelberg 2 L Hampton 2 J Nelis 2 M Payne. Redland: B Bailey 4 C Cameron 2 H Hunkin J Wratten M Hammelmann H Bertoli-Simmonds.
BEST – Aspley: L Dawson J Spencer G Grose T Templeton J Freeman W Murphy. Redland: C Malone A Williams K Walsh H Bertoli-Simmonds W Johnson.

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