Garfield rover Andy Soumilas has a shot at goal.GARFIELD finished the season on a disappointing note when it was convincingly beaten by Traralgon at Garfield on Saturday.
The Stars had held hopes of an upset win against the secondplaced Maroons but were never in the contest, going down by 79 points.
Garfield had much of the play early but could not convert on the scoreboard. The Stars kicked the first three behinds of the game before Traralgon piled on five goals to take a 26point lead at quartertime.
Garfield was far more competitive in the second quarter but poor kicking again let the Stars down. They managed 4.6s for the quarter compared to Traralgon’s 6.1 to trail by 33 points at the main break.
With little to play for, the Stars put up scant resistance in the second half as Traralgon ran away with the game and finished comfortable winners.
It was an unfamiliar position for Garfield on Saturday, being only the second time in 14 seasons that the Stars had no chance to make the finals going into the last round. Despite this, an excellent crowd was in attendence, former coach Steve Coats and players Rod Glasscot and Rod Buck making rare appearances.
On the field, Garfield had good players in midfielders Shaun Pickering, Jake Hower and Ben Marsh. These three have had outstanding seasons and have given great support to captain Andy Soumilas.
Mal McKenna continued his resurgence, kicking four goals in a dominant performance at centre halfforward, while veteran Neville Bow, playing his 380th senior game, was also dangerous.
Garfield also blooded two youngsters, Stewart Edwards and Daylan Gleeson and both showed they have promising senior careers ahead.
Edwards and Gleeson were two of four under18 players to represent Garfield at senior level on Saturday, and six to have done so during the course of the year, ensuring a bright future for the Stars.
Scores: Traralgon 21.8.134 d Garfield 7.13.55.
RESERVES
Garfield reserves ended their season with a gutsy display against ladder leader Traralgon.
The Stars only managed one goal for the day, but kept their highly fancied opponents to just nine majors in a good team performance.
Jason Bentley, Joel Ferguson and Warren James, who have all played senior football this year, were solid performers, while Michael Young and Jay Whelan also played well.
Veteran Wayne Jackson, playing his last game for the Stars, was as dependable as ever, taking many strong marks at full back.
Scores: Traralgon 9.9.63 d Garfield 1.2.8.
UNDER 18
Garfield’s thirds could not match the strength and speed of their opponents, losing to Traralgon by 55 points.
The thirds have earned much respect this season against bigger opponents and should be proud of their efforts.
Stewart Edwards, Daylan Gleeson, Matt Stanney, Dale Nicholls, Ryan McMillan and Ben Rotheram were the Stars’ best.
Scores: Traralgon 11.13.79 d Garfield 3.6.24.
UNDER 16
It has been a long, tough season for Garfield but the juniors have never given up trying, despite going through the season without a win.
On Saturday the team had good performances from Steve Fazzino, Ned Marsh, Tim Edwards and Rory Hower in their loss to Traralgon.
Scores: Traralgon 18.17.125 d Garfield 1.1.7.
CLUB NOTES
The Garfield Football Club vote count and presentation night will be held at the Garfield social rooms on September 16.
