Coopers - Friday Footy Review

Woodsmen put double chance at risk

A weary looking Woodsmen outfit dropped their 2nd game in a row for the first time this year after going down on Friday night to a resurgent UQ side who are now pushing for an unlikely finals berth with some quality late season form.

The Woodsmen again had 5+ changes from the previous week, with injury and unavailability wreaking havoc on the group.  Long term hamstrings to key players in defence such as Sam Long and Blake Barkley, a calf injury to Tim Green and the late withdrawal of Paul Eaton left the back half again severely undermanned for the 2nd week in a row.  Pleasingly, young Ryan Christopher was sent into defence early in the game and did a fine job on a dangerous opponent, while Kiran Verma again showed some attacking flair with good run from halfback.

A midfield missing stars such as Sam Curtis, Lachy Woods and Andrew Thomson was also running short, and when midfield general Matt Hockley came off injured in the 1st quarter the Woodies were down by 3 goals and looked down and out.

However, the never say die attitude of the Woodies ensured a quality fightback putting them within 5 points deep in time-on in the last quarter with the ball locked forward and all the momentum.  Monty Vine battled hard all day in the ruck despite an early ankle sprain, while Shayne Baldwin and Brett McEvoy provided plenty of run up and down each wing to keep the boys in it.

Unfortunately with the Woodies pressing forward hard to win the game, they managed a late behind when looking for the matchwinning goal and the ball was swung coast to coast for UQ to kick the sealer on the siren for what was a deserving victory.

Baker again showed his improving touch higher up the ground this week with some quality body work and telling grabs, while Mihalopoulos hit the scoreboard when given the opportunity.

UQ 6.11 - 47

defeated

Woodsmen 5.7 - 37

Best: McDonald, McEvoy, Toohey, Verma, Garland, Baldwin

Goals: Baker, Mihalopoulos 2, McDonald 1