BATHURST Bushrangers have had their presence in the men’s AFL Central West finals series halved after the Outlaws went down to cross-city rivals Giants on Saturday.
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Outlaws had crept back into the top four in the last week of the regular season thanks to an upset win over Orange Tigers and were eager to bring that intensity into the sudden death finals fixture at George Park 1.
They met an equally enthusiastic Giants side in a classic derby encounter, trading goals from virtually the second quarter onwards.
Outlaws held a narrow 7.5-47 to 6.5-41 advantage at half-time and that lead was cut to two points at the last break.
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Giants appeared rattled at moments in the second half but rallied in the closing moments to seal a preliminary final meeting with the Tigers.
Injuries and player unavailability had been a recurring theme for the Outlaws this season but despite finding difficult to field a consistent lineup the team could be proud of their achievements, according to co-coach Ben Horn.
“We’ve made two teams as even as possible, which we believe we’ve done again. To have both make finals and have the Rebels in the grand final already is great,” he said.
“We lost key players early and had guys in and out of the team, and it wasn’t until the end of the season we started to see consistency in getting the same guys out there.
“It was obviously a disappointing result on the weekend but I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. We didn’t get the win but I think we can still call it a successful year.”
Horn said Saturday’s Bathurst derby meeting was a classic.
“All we asked at the start of the game was that our boys put in 100 per cent and that’s what happened. Everyone committed to the cause and it wasn’t until the last five minutes that it was decided,” he said.
“We kicked the first couple of goals and then they kicked the next couple. It was very up and down game for both sides and I have no idea how many times the lead changed.”
Horn, fellow co-coach Tom Regan, John Noyen, Adam Ryan and Patrick Meagher all kicked two goals for the Outlaws.
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Alexander Grant
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
Part of the Western Advocate's sports desk in Bathurst.
