Karratha Kats take Spring AFL 9's Crown
Thursday, 15th December 2011
By Clint Degebrodt
The Karratha Kats emerged unbeaten and holding the Spring Men’s Division 1 Premiership Cup aloft at the conclusion of the AFL 9’s competition last Thursday night. A nice return of silverware for Skipper Ryan Atkinson and his well oiled Kats machine. Despite stiff opposition from the other Division 1 teams particularly the Sharks and Falcons the Kats made every post a winner in 2012.
The other teams played fast and hard footy and it was the Falcons in second place followed by the Sharks, Swans Boys and the Bush Crabs. The Falcons and Sharks played very different but attractive brands of footy with the Sharks throwing the ball around fast and running hard while the Falcons played a controlled tempo style based on a strong marking game.
The Swans Boys was a team made up of participants in the Swan Districts Pilbara Talent Development squad and used the opportunity to hone their skills and put their wits against senior players. Their improvement was outstanding and they will be well placed come February when they will be called to return to the V Swans Talent Program.
The Kats took the final match 13 goals to 9 which was a remarkable feat considering they were down 5 to 1 at half time after the Sharks played irresistible footy with the breeze. Guy Langdon was a powerhouse in the ruck and down back for the Sharks while Jason Cox marshalled the backs and initiated repeated counter attack from centre half back. The Kats defensive pressure limited the Sharks effectiveness with the breeze and were filled with confidence as the match turned to give them their shot with the 30 knot gale.
Mick Smith staked his claim as the most dominant forward in the competition with a 6 goal haul highlighted by long range shots and clever use of the breeze. It was hard to identify the best for the Kats as they all contributed all over the ground, overlapping, linking up handball and some outstanding and desperate marking. Goal of the series was definitely Doug Roberts’ beauty off hands off the back of a pack, struck from mid air deep in the pocket it curled for a major. In a great show of spirit the Kats rushed to congratulate Roberts on the remarkable strike.
Huge thanks go to Shane Harris and his family, the Kats Club and LJ Hooker for their assistance and hospitality throughout the program. To put it simply; no Shane Harris, no AFL 9’s.
The AFL 9’s program goes into hibernation for the Christmas break and work is underway to get an A Grade pre-season competition up and going for NPFL clubs and keen challengers for February 2012.
The Karratha Kats emerged unbeaten and holding the Spring Men’s Division 1 Premiership Cup aloft at the conclusion of the AFL 9’s competition last Thursday night. A nice return of silverware for Skipper Ryan Atkinson and his well oiled Kats machine. Despite stiff opposition from the other Division 1 teams particularly the Sharks and Falcons the Kats made every post a winner in 2012.
The other teams played fast and hard footy and it was the Falcons in second place followed by the Sharks, Swans Boys and the Bush Crabs. The Falcons and Sharks played very different but attractive brands of footy with the Sharks throwing the ball around fast and running hard while the Falcons played a controlled tempo style based on a strong marking game.
The Swans Boys was a team made up of participants in the Swan Districts Pilbara Talent Development squad and used the opportunity to hone their skills and put their wits against senior players. Their improvement was outstanding and they will be well placed come February when they will be called to return to the V Swans Talent Program.
The Kats took the final match 13 goals to 9 which was a remarkable feat considering they were down 5 to 1 at half time after the Sharks played irresistible footy with the breeze. Guy Langdon was a powerhouse in the ruck and down back for the Sharks while Jason Cox marshalled the backs and initiated repeated counter attack from centre half back. The Kats defensive pressure limited the Sharks effectiveness with the breeze and were filled with confidence as the match turned to give them their shot with the 30 knot gale.
Mick Smith staked his claim as the most dominant forward in the competition with a 6 goal haul highlighted by long range shots and clever use of the breeze. It was hard to identify the best for the Kats as they all contributed all over the ground, overlapping, linking up handball and some outstanding and desperate marking. Goal of the series was definitely Doug Roberts’ beauty off hands off the back of a pack, struck from mid air deep in the pocket it curled for a major. In a great show of spirit the Kats rushed to congratulate Roberts on the remarkable strike.
Huge thanks go to Shane Harris and his family, the Kats Club and LJ Hooker for their assistance and hospitality throughout the program. To put it simply; no Shane Harris, no AFL 9’s.
The AFL 9’s program goes into hibernation for the Christmas break and work is underway to get an A Grade pre-season competition up and going for NPFL clubs and keen challengers for February 2012.
