East Coast supporters had an extra reason to smile in Saturday’s preliminary final win, with star forward Nicholas Child kicking his 100th goal for the season.
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Lining up 40 metres out from goal in the final term, Child kicked truly to break into three figures and spark an all-in team celebration in the forward pocket.
He was then reluctantly chaired off the ground post-match.
“I didn’t want (the chair-off) - I was just doing my job,” he said.
Child has nabbed five or more on 12 occasions this year, including bags of 11 and nine against Uni-Mowbray.
The ex-South Launceston player said his midfielders had been crucial to his success this season.
“I wouldn’t have kicked the goals if it wasn’t for the midfield, so all the credit’s got to go to them.
“It makes a difference when you’ve got delivery coming in and hitting you on the chin, there’s nothing the defenders can do when it’s coming straight at me like that.”
East Coast coach Ned Hyland said he was thrilled for his fellow forward.
“The boys are rapt for him,” Hyland said.
“He’s a great team player, he’s not at all a selfish forward and the fact that he’s found so much personal success this year is great.”
Child has kicked 100 goals in 18 games this season at an average of 5.5 goals per game.
Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
