South Launceston has completed its second unbeaten season in four years with a 39-point win over Scottsdale.
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The 16.17 (113) to 11.8 (74) result condemned Scottsdale to an elimination final appearance next weekend and ended the Magpies’ seven game winning streak.
Leigh Harding’s Bulldogs set up the win with a rampaging first term, kicking seven goals to two and establishing a lead which would never be surrendered.
Classy ball-winner Jordan Tepper teamed up with Luke Mccarty and Harding to dominate through the middle of the ground, with Harding also getting forward to kick three goals.
The Bulldogs’ leading goalkicker Bradley Etchell was again dangerous with three, while mid-season recruit Sonny Whiting kicked four for the fourth time in six outings.
Scottsdale fought back in the second term and had plenty of avenues to goal as Tom McWatters, Daniel Viney, Corey Binns, Joe Robinson and Brady Gee found their way to multiple majors.
Zac Bean and Joel Hayes continued to battle hard for the Magpies but South were able to stretch a four-goal half-time lead to 46 points at the final break to seal the game.
The result will be welcomed by Hillwood, who can now look forward to a home qualifying final against Bracknell, while Scottsdale will meet Longford at Youngtown Oval next Sunday.
South Launceston will spend the first week of finals on the sidelines for the fourth time in five years.
SEASON’S TOP FIVE GOALKICKERS
55: Ben Elmer (Rocherlea)
55: Andrew Whitmore (Hillwood)
43: Glenn Dawson (Bracknell)
40: Lee Nichols (Scottsdale)
39: Corry Goodluck (Bracknell)
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