The under 11 Crowies travelled to Ardlethan to take on the Griffith Swans in their first finals appearance.

Regardless of the outcome, these young footballers can be proud of their debut season.

Captain Gavin Evans led the boys out on to the big ground to face the Swans, whom they had beaten, drawn with and lost to in the home and away season, so this could be anyone’s game.

From the bounce the pace was frantic from both teams and as nerves settled the Crows stood-up, being involved in a majority of play, but neither side managed to score, so obviously goals were going to be at a premium.

The second term was played at a similar pace to the first; the backline was absorbing the pressure and rebounding forward.

Unfortunately, no score for the Crows but highlights were some tough hard at the ball play from Tyh Evans, Danyan Evans and Gavin Evans.

The third quarter again saw pressure from both sides intense, with Jake Wood, Dylan Pietsch, Danyan, Gavin and Tyh seemingly involved in every contest, but no majors on the board.

This was going to be a war of attrition.

In the final, which could possibly be the last quarter for the season, the boys were laying it all on the line, only a goal down; it was still anybody’s game.

A clearance from Danyan and some great roving from Jonte Schmetzer resulted in a goal.

Although the Swans kicked a couple of late goals to seal the game, the boys never laid down and intensity of the match didn’t change.

No-one could question their effort with the Crows leaving nothing on the table.

Goal: Jonte Schmetzer

Best Players: Tyh Evans, Danyan Evans, Jake Wood, Gavin Evans, Dylan Pietsch, Jonte Schmetzer and Jamo Booth.

Special thanks to Darryl Tuckett, James Hopper and especially coach Gary Schmetzer for transforming Auskickers into Footballers.