Match Report: Carey Park v Collie
Panthers revel in wet conditions for Collie win
A more mature Carey Park gave the Collie Eagles a lesson in wet weather football on Sunday at the Collie Recreation Ground, when they defeated the home side by 38 points.
The Panthers kicked into gear after half-time and kept the Eagles to just five goals for the match, winning 12.7 (79) to 5.11 (41).
Torrential rain met both sides once the ball was bounced and from the start neither side took a backward step, as players crashed packs and took the game head on in a great display of commitment.
The Panthers ran to help their backline consistently throughout the game, with a spare man in defence filling the hole all game long for the visitors.
Collie's midfield of Travis and Will Cleggett along with Corey and Chase Griggs gave the star-studded Panthers outfit their best, but unfortunately for the home side the cream rose to the top as the likes of Graham Jetta and Kieran King shone with the football in hand.
The Panthers started slowly, but lifted in the second quarter courtesy of two sensational goals by veteran Aaron Hill.
Bunbury recruit Clint Garlett was also influential up forward, providing constant pressure and class to deliver his forwards enough clean opportunities while also kicking two majors himself.
Fabian Hart and Brandon Jetta were also influential off the half-back line, with their drive and disposal pushing the Panthers forward in waves, putting the Collie defence under enormous pressure.
Collie was never out of the contest, but with a number of younger players in the side they couldn't keep up with the more mature and stronger Panthers for the full four quarters.
Matt Michael was strong for Collie in the forward line, while Joel Mahar gave it his best throughout the midfield.
Collie's efforts would have been soured with just two players left on the bench after half-time.
Brendan Justins was unable to return to the field after the main break because of a heavy collision late in the second quarter, while full forward Ashley Seeber appeared to have hurt his ankle early in the third term after a contest in the goal square.
