The Blackwood Football Club suffered its second successive defeat going down by 18 points to the Mt Barker Football Club in Round 11 of the Police Credit Union Hills Football League.

Speaking post-match coach Scott Prebble stated that it was a disappointing result for the side today. “We let ourselves down in some key areas and gave away some free kicks which turned into goals. It was disappointing to lose today.”

The Woods entered the clash making four changes with Jordon Cock, Evan Johnson, Zac Town and Jan Warbout coming into the side, for Cock it was his A Grade debut. The match was a special day with the Woods wearing an Indigenous guernsey designed by Clyde Rigney, the guernsey features two prominent sections and represents a story of culture and values. The match was proceeded by a special welcome to country and smoking ceremony.

When the football started, the Woods made a fast start kicking the opening goal from the match through midfielder Daniel Benson. Moving the ball long from a kick in, the Woods got out the back with mail medallist Matt Tuck kicking the ball into an empty forward 50 where Benson was able to pick the ball up and snap over his left shoulder straight over the goal umpires hat. Further goals to Mat Tee, Phil Hopton and Sam Venning saw the Woods kick four opening quarter majors for the first time since Round 8. A late goal to Billy Stokes saw the margin pulled back to nine points at the first break.

The Barkeroos made the quick start in the second quarter kicking the opening major through Jamie Groutch after receiving a free kick and 50 metre penalty when the ball wasn’t returned properly. The Woods got an instant reply through Tee after a clever soccer goal after a quick forward entry. The Barkeroos then went on a scoring run kicking the next five goals of the match. Key forward Damian Hynes got the first goal after taking a strong mark on the lead. A further four goals in 10 minutes saw the Woods trailing by 25 points and looking in trouble. Deep in the quarter the Woods were able to get one goal back through Zac Town from the top of the square to bring the margin back to 19 points at the major break.

Jordon Cock looks to get a kick away ahead of a Mt Barker opponent

With the weather improving over the half time break, and the sun coming out, the large crowd in attendance was hopeful the Woods could turn their form around. The Barkeroos got the first goal of the third quarter through a free kick to Hynes right on the goal line after he was infringed in the contest. With the Woods trailing by four goals, a special comeback was needed. Stepping the pressure up around the midfield the Woods were able to gain some field position. Moving the ball deep into the club room pocket, Jordon Cock was able to handball out of the pack to find Tee who snapped on his left foot to kick his third goal of the game. Eduard Van Den Berg got the second major in a row for the Woods courtesy of a free kick and 50 metre penalty which saw a Mt Barker player yellow carded for appearing to make some slight contact with the umpire. Another shot on goal to Van Den Berg which sailed through the middle was cancelled out by the field umpire paying a holding the man free kick in the goal square at the ball sailed over the goal umpire’s head.

At three quarter time, the Woods trailed by 9 points but had the moment. One final rev up from both coaches saw both sides hoping they could secure the victory and take home the two points. The Barkeroos came out the better side in the final quarter and hence kicked the only two goals of the term. A 50-metre penalty saw Henry Bruce convert truly from the goal square to extend the margin to three goals halfway through the term. The Woods kept trying to take the game on but the Barkeroos held firm in defence to not concede. Moving the ball forward late in the term, Dale Payne was able to mark and convert truly to seal the victory and hand the Woods their fifth loss for the season.

Youngster Oscar Hodge was named best player for the Woods providing endless drive from the half back line whilst Jan Warbout, Nathan Dunn, Daniel Benson and Mat Tee also caught the eye of the coaching staff being named in the better player.