NTFA Premier Division: Bracknell secure victory over Deloraine

The Redlegs proved red-hot in the second term as they used the strong wind to their advantage and put on five goals to one in a dominant display.

Jordan Blake and Callum Mulder (two goals apiece) were particularly prominent as the Redlegs peppered the goals in the second term.

The Redlegs ran hard all game on both sides of the ball, creating numerous chase-down tackles which halted Deloraine's ball movement repeatedly.

Tyler Kelly acted as a one-man band at times in defence for the Roos but eventually, the sheer weight of entries proved too much.

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Bracknell coach Corry Goodluck said the performance ranked as one of his side's best for the season.

"Finals footy is all about pressure and intensity, if you can bring that it makes it difficult for the other team to score," he said.

"Full credit to the guys, they rocked up with the right attitude and bought it for four quarters ... probably the best I've seen from us."

Glenn Dawson returned to the Bracknell line-up and was one of their best while Matthew Dennis' height and athleticism proved an issue for the Roos all game as he finished with three goals.

"You know you can either use [the wind] really well or waste it, and we knew we couldn't afford to waste it so we just lowered our eyes, didn't panic when we had the ball," Goodluck said.

The defensive pressure was inescapable at times for Deloraine, who endured three goalless quarters despite butchering several good opportunities in front of goal.

It appeared to be a self-fulfilling cycle for Deloraine, who could not get quality possession due to being entrapped in their defensive zone but were also hemmed in due to not being able to get clean ball usage.

Goodluck said he was impressed that his side bought a ruthless intensity for the final.

"We spoke about it before the game, we can do these types of things and commit to each other and we'll get the results we need," he said.

"Not only did our top players stand up but our bottom line players, they carried us today and it was really good across the board."

Tensions threatened to spill over during the second and third terms quarters as Bracknell and Deloraine players took exception to some of the tackles on-field.

Players had to be calmed down by the umpires to avoid a potential scuffle between the sides.

One such incident occurred while Tyson Gardam kicked Deloraine's only goal in the second term which sparked jubilant scenes from the Roos.

The flashpoint moments bought the vocal crowd into game after they were quiet during a meandering first quarter.

"It was a great crowd and and that's something that we pride ourselves on we're not just one one team, we're we're one club," Goodluck said.

"It was great to look beyond the goals and see this big army of red and white."

The result means Bracknell will face Rocherlea and Longford will face South Launceston in the second week of the NTFA premier division finals.

"Any win to roll into next week gives you confidence, when you come off a win like that one," Goodluck said.

"Rocherlea are a good side and they got over us last time, there's no questions they play well and they're well structured.

"We're not looking any further than that, we're just taking our time and we're focused on Rocherlea."

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