Nelis boots four as Aspley proves too good for Redland

Aspley has cruised to a crucial 36-point victory over the Redland at Voxson Oval on Saturday to put them back on the cusp of the top six.

The Hornets were able to gain the upper hand mid-way through the first quarter and never looked back, cruising to a 13.20 (98) to 9.8 (62) win.

It started out as a fairly scrappy and contested game due to the wet and greasy conditions leading to many stoppages through the middle of the ground and a lot of missed scoring opportunities.

Nine behinds were scored by both teams before Aspley were able to get some clear chains of handballs out of congestion, leading to two goals by Gav Grose and Tom Templeton.

Aspley coach Daniel Webster said his side’s scoring inaccuracy was the only disappointing area of their game.

“We were strong at the contest and I think it was just a good consistent performance. I think the only thing that would have been nicer would have been if we had kicked a little straighter.” Webster told neafl.com.au.

Redland was having trouble moving the ball out of their back half through the middle of the first quarter but did well to only keep the margin within 16 heading into the quarter time break, given the amount of Inside 50s they conceded.

The start of the second quarter saw a the footy see more clear passages of play with Aspley making full use, kicking the four of the first five goals of the quarter.

Hornets veteran Matt Payne was instrumental in his side’s ascendancy collecting 16 disposals, four tackles, four clearances and a goal at the main break.

Webster credited Payne as well as emerging midfielder Will Gowers for their performance through the midfield.

“Matt Payne and Will Gowers were brilliant, they fed off each other well, and some of the stuff that Payne did was amazing. Both of their work rates were great and they just keep taking their games to the next level.”

Redland respond when they needed to as the margin grew out to 34-points. Matt Hammelmann was looking dangerous up forward and kicked two of his side’s three goals of the second, reducing the margin to 27 going into half-time.

Aspley came out of the change rooms at half-time looking to pile on the pressure kicking two early goals to increase the margin to more than six goals.

Redland was able to create a mini-fight back and finished with two goals late to trim the margin back to 31-points at three quarter time.

The last quarter saw the football spend most of its time in Aspley’s forward half as Aspley couldn’t convert on their opportunities, kicking six behinds for the quarter.

Redland was able to compete and bring it to Aspley in the final quarter, kicking two of their own to match the home side in the last.

Playing-coach Phil Carse said his side lacked consistency throughout the day and it came back to hurt them.

“Right across the whole day Aspley outplayed us in most facets. If it wasn’t for their inaccuracy it could have been a little uglier on the scoreboard.” Carse said

“It was a disappointing day for the boys and we will just have to find a way to regroup.”

"They were certainly good with the contested ball... but I do think the more significant area was their uncontested spread and their handball receives. They really got us on the outside in that second and third possession link., and they just moved really well and were really flat, so full credit to them." 

After a big victory, Aspley will look to take on Sydney University at Voxson Oval next week and Bombers will look to recover from another tough loss by taking on the in-form GIANTS.

Aspley Hornets v Redland Bombers

ASPLEY 2.8 7.10 11.14 13.20 (98)
REDLAND 0.4 3.7 7.7 9.8 (62)

GOALS – Aspley: J Nelis 4 J Freeman 2 G Grose 2 C Stackelberg 2 T Templeton W Murphy M Payne. Redland: M Hammelmann 4 W Johnson B Bailey H Bertoli-Simmonds D Fleming C Franks.
BEST – Aspley: M Payne W Gowers J Spencer T Templeton J Nelis D Lawrence. Redland: C Malone S Miller D Steven M Hammelmann S Cunnington.   

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