Burra eyes the double chance

By Brad Kingsbury
KEYSBOROUGH is within three per cent of third position and the all-important double chance after a 60-point win over Casey Cardinia league cellar-dweller Devon Meadows at the Glover Reserve.
The Burra gained a significant break in the opening half, keeping the Panthers goalless, and the result was done and dusted from then on.
Devon Meadows played several players behind the ball in an effort to limit the scoreboard damage, while veteran Craig Hunter was moved from defence to attack in the second half in an attempt to create a target.
The Burra extended its advantage from 53 points at half-time to 63 points at the final change, but Devon Meadows dug deep and outscored the visitors by a goal in the final term.
Keysborough was often forced to shoot from 45 to 50 metres due to its congested forward line and running players including Daniel Morland, Shaun Daly and Matthew Freeman were responsible for seven of the Burra’s 15 goals.
Star forward Luke McGuinness had a day he would prefer to forget, finishing with four behinds – all of them hitting the goal post.
William Gayfer and Warrick Hanks were among the best in sweeping roles for the victors, while David Grose, Jesse Dehey, Lucas Carroll and Rhyse Shortis battled away for the Panthers.
Keysborough coach Greg Siwes said the score did not reflect how well Devon Meadows had played.
“They played all right. They might have even outcoached us, I think,” he said.
“They turn the ball over too much and that’s what costs them in the end.
“Even in the first half when they hadn’t even scored a goal, I thought they were competitive. They almost outscored us in the second half.
“I was happy to get the win but we still have plenty of work to do next week.”
Keysborough must beat Beaconsfield well this weekend to make up the percentage required to grab the double chance, and Siwes is acutely aware of the task.
“We made up half the percentage against Devon Meadows and the plan was to make up the other half this week. It comes down to us but it’s great for the competition that the last game decides so much,” he said.