Football: Knights edge out ’Dogs

The Kwinana Knights league side dug deep late in the game to secure a two-point — 14.10 (94) to 14.8 (92) — win against against the Innaloo Bulldogs in their Mercantile Football League clash on Sunday.

The Knights came to the game expecting an easy win, but late-season recruiting by the Bulldogs and the return of key players caught them off guard.

The Knights defence worked hard in the first half, withDave Buchanin putting in his best performance of the year, but Innaloo showed talent and speed all around the ground and kicks were hard-earned.

Shai Johnson received heavy attention in midfield and turned his hand to the ruck in search of a move that might change the game.

The Bulldogs gained the ascendancy in the later stages of the game, with their defence performing well, but Tom Boyes was good enough to kick four majors to give the Knights a chance.

With just a few minutes left, the Knights were trailing and looked to be in trouble, before two pressure shots by Daniel Collardo secured a vital win.

Luke Pitman was best on ground.

The reserves were keen to get back to winning form, and did so with a 65-point victory —16.16 (112) to 7.5 (47) — over the Bulldogs.

The pressure was on immediately, with the Bulldogs starting the better and kicking away to an early lead.

The experience of Scott Battersby in defence proved invaluable in keeping the Knights in the game.

After trailing early, Kwinana held a narrow lead at half time.

The game remained close until half-way through the third quarter, when the Knights’ forward structure proved a handful.

Goals were shared evenly, with Tyne Jordan Smith on the wing adding to the winning formula, joining Sean Baldwin with three goals.

With momentum on Kwinana’s side, the game opened up and Ashley McDerment was able to find space all over the ground.

Quality games from Damien Keatley and Daniel Gould in defence helped Kwinana run home strongly.