Blackwell's Bulls take the flag

by LES EVERETT

MADDINGTON has won the 2007 WA Sunday Football League premiership.

After losing the second semi final the Bulls won the big one against Kenwick in remarkably comfortable fashion - in fact they were never headed.

Aided by two goals from 50 metre penalties, Maddington led by 10 points after a tight first quarter. Paul Devine kicked two goals for the Bulls in the first quarter and Ben Armstrong was everywhere for the Royals.

In the early part of the second quarter Maddington dominated but couldn't get the score on the board. Great tackles by Peter Mola and David MacPherson stopped goal scoring opportunities and a bad miss by Warren Bank added to the Bulls' woes. Kenwick got within a goal and then Maddington took complete control and by half time led by 28 points. Eddie Wilkes set up many opportunities, Adrian Wilkes, Matthew Mitchell and Julian Pace were dangerous in attack and Andrew Catalano used the ball expertly.

The Bulls kicked four goals to none in the third quarter and the game was all over. The highlight of the quarter was the work of dual-SFL reserves fairest and best winner Antonio Silvestri who constantly won the ball on his wing and drove his team forward.

The last quarter was somewhat of a formality though Tony Favazzo and Peter Valenti typified the Maddington spirit with some great runs from defence.

Former Carlton and Claremont star Wayne Blackwell was talked into taking over as coach of the Bulls and took the team from the wooden spoon to the premiership. Former WA 18s player Warren Bank won the Percy Garrett Medal as the best player on the ground. The award could just as fittingly been given to Catalano, Devine, Adrian or Eddie Wilkes or Favazzo. Adrian Wilkes and Devine each kicked four goals.

Kenwick had just two goal scorers - Tim Hull got three and while he always looked dangerous two of his goals came late in the last quarter while the busy Armstong kicked two. Dwayne Cook, MacPherson and Beau Rhodes were good players for the Royals who were chasing their fourth premiership in a row.

Maddington also won the reserves, pipping Thornlie, who lost just one game in the qualifying rounds.

There was a major upset in the colts when Gosnells lost their only game for the season. Thornlie won the grand final.

16 September 2007

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