Bulls to defend Sunday title

by LES EVERETT

THERE'S been something low key about Maddington's WA Sunday Football League title defence in 2004.

Trent Harding's team has been efficient and has handed out some clear messages to its opponents but there has always been the feeling that the best is yet to come. The 45 point second semi final win over Kenwick was as emphatic a statement as could be made.

In round six the Bulls beat the Royals by 63 points while the round 12 margin was 32 points.

Recent history is not on the side of Kenwick and that's probably the way coach Gavin Hanley would like it.

The Royals have a game based on the team things and if they get off to a good start could throw doubt into the Bull pen.

Norm Woods has come into top form at the right time of the year for Kenwick, Ray Irvine has had one of his best seasons, Daniel Atkinson attacks the ball in fearless fashion and Les Sharp and Rob Stephan appeal as key players. Big man Tony Kellow knows all about finals and he too is in form.

Maddington captain Jason Peake is one of the competition's most effective midfielders and with support from Andrew Catalano and Robbie Davis will make it difficult for the Royals.

Richard Ugle has hit form at the right time of the year, Mark Fitzgerald is always a threat in attack and Adrian Wilkes and Shane Mallard are also important players.

Form says Maddington but no SFL observer would ever write off Kenwick which has won the last five grand finals in which it has appeared.

Meanwhile Medal winner Matthew Brooks of Gosnells spoke of the team things in accepting his award.

The hard running midfielder said the seeds for the Hawk improvement were sown during the difficult 2003 season.

"Last year was tough but the club was still a good place to be around and that made it bearable," Brooks said, "Our main aim this year was to improve as a club and I think we've done that."

The final leader board...

1. Matthew Brooks (Gosnells) 23

2. Jason Peake (Maddington) 17

3. Andrew Catalano (Maddington) & Liam Harpley (Armadale) 15

5. Brent Lowden (Tigers) 14

6. Rogan Hutton (Tigers) & Heath Woollams (Thornlie) 12

8. Brian Saciuk (Kelmscott) 11

9. Rob Stephan (Kenwick) 10

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