By ROY WARD
SANDOWN has pledged to come back bigger and stronger in 2013 following its loss to Moorabbin in the Southern Football League division 3 grand final on Saturday.
The Kangaroos threw their best figurative punches at the Cobras in the first quarter and their 27-point lead proved a decisive advantage as they went on to win by 31 points.
The Cobras had their chances to come back in the remaining terms and got within 13 points early in the final quarter but the Kangaroos’ experienced defenders repeatedly cleared the ball.
Those clearances proved telling, as the Kangaroos’ Connor McKibbon, Harry Harcourt and finally Hassan Kiri kicked late goals to ice the premiership, Kiri’s celebration taking him over the fence and into the arms of supporters.
Cobras coach Mick Rossborough said he was disappointed with his side’s kicking but not its effort.
“Our guys were brave, they put their heads over the footy and put their bodies on the line but we just missed a few targets in the second quarter and Moorabbin’s experience in the last quarter was fantastic. We tried our best and they just held us up every time.”
Rossborough said his side could not convert the attacking opportunities created in the second term, which cost the game.
“I reckon we had it in there for 20 minutes of the quarter and they took it down to their end once and kicked a goal. Our third quarter was outstanding; we outscored them into a slight breeze and in the last quarter I think we were running up and down on the spot a little bit after four finals. Moorabbin deserved their win, simple as that.”
Rossborough said he was already signed as Cobras coach for 2013 and recruiting discussions would soon begin.
”I know of five or six blokes who have already spoken to me about wanting to play here next year because of our culture,” he said. “So we will build on this and be better next year, no doubt.
“Every game I’ve coached Sandown — three years of reserves where we’d sometimes have 12-13 blokes, and two years of seniors — [they’ve shown] they are a brave footy club and that’s why I love coaching here. They always have a crack.”
For more pictures of the Cobras’ game, go to http://www.greaterdandenongweekly.com.au/story/339459/gallery-sfl-division-3-preliminary-final-doveton-eagles-v-sandown-cobras/?cs=1704
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