Football: Bulls miss their target

Inaccuracy in front of goal proved Mt Barker’s demise in their 34-point loss to Denmark-Walpole at McLean Park on Saturday.

There were few shining lights for the Bulls in a game that never reached great heights despite near-perfect playing conditions.

They failed to build on a dominant first half, losing the match 6.20 (56) to 13.12 (90).

Mt Barker’s Nathan Skinner found some vintage form in the second quarter, firing his trademark penetrating left-foot kicks into the forward line while Dylan Judd worked hard through the centre of the ground.

But their forwards were inaccurate, returning only one goal from 11 scoring shots during a quarter where they should have put the Magpies to bed.

Magpies’ player-coach James McRae conceded his side was given a “let-off” in the second term but suggested much of Mt Barker’s inaccuracy was due to strong defensive pressure.

“Our back line was relentless and applied a lot of pressure, which is what made them miss the goals,” he said.

“In the second half we went out and applied ourselves the way we should have from the start and if we can do that for four quarters we’re going to start winning more games of footy.”

Denmark responded vigorously in the second half, piling on 10 goals, including four to full forward Jonathon D’Sylva, while the Bulls added only two majors to their tally.

The Magpies hit the lead late in the third quarter as Leon Wilson and Simon Barker racked up plenty of possessions in the midfield to drive their side forward.

In the final term the margin was reduced to a point when Brad Ross goaled for the Bulls.

Full forward Michael Larkin had the chance to put them up with a right foot snap.

But he capped off a forgettable performance by hitting the woodwork, one of several behinds he registered for the day.

Five final-term goals including two each to Sam Green and D’Sylva, all but closed the gate for the Bulls, D’Sylva finishing with a personal season high of six majors.

The Magpies win was somewhat marred by the shock announcement prolific wingman Matthew Green would transfer to WAFL club East Perth.

Green said his time at Denmark-Walpole had reinvigorated his passion for the game.

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