Dockers deal Knights a blow

The Secret Harbour Dockers progressed to the WA Metropolitan Football League grand final at the expense of the Kwinana Knights in Sunday’s second semi-final at Medina Oval.

Despite a free kick count of 40 to 11 in the Knights’ favour, Secret Harbour led at every change en route to a 34-point win, 14.10 (94) to 9.14 (60).

Kwinana were in touch at quarter-time, but were playing catch-up from then on as Secret Harbour piled on seven unanswered goals in the second term.

The Knights rallied after the break, but it was ultimately not enough to stop the minor premiers booking their spot in the season decider on September 16.

Kwinana now take on Yanchep in this weekend’s preliminary final, where they will start heavy favourites to set up a rematch with Secret Harbour.

Dockers coach Mark Pink admitted the lopsided free-kick count had been frustrating, but praised his players’ ability to remain focussed.

‘‘I was really happy with the boys’ discipline,’’ Pink said.

‘‘When things like that are going against you, it’s easy to talk back and let it get away from you.

‘‘All of us sat down after the game and I just said how proud I was that they could absorb that and continue to fight. ‘‘Their discipline and concentration under trying circumstances was fantastic.’’

Kwinana’s defence did a good job to nullify the influence of Dockers’ spearheads Alex Byrne and Ryan Stewart, who were kept quiet.

But such is Secret Harbour’s depth, Ryan Nye emerged as the side’s most potent forward with seven goals.

Kwinana, who were guilty of missing several opportunities in the first half, were well served by Brayden VanNellestyne, George Leef and Luke Lewis.

Dockers’ captain Darryl Beechey turned in another solid performance, as did ruckman Dan Sissini, forward Steven Nun and 17-year-old Cliff Brough.