The Northern Suns have made it 2 wins in a row after playing some great footy to defeat the Central Giants by 39 points in round 8 of the 2019 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
Both sides were evenly matched in the first half as it was end to end scoring early on.
2018 Golden Boot James McKenzie didn’t take too long to get his name on to the score sheet for the Giants as he looked to retain his crown as the competitions leading goal kicker.
McKenzie had another 2 in the second but the Sun’s were able to match them to go into the halftime break all square.
Reed Cathcart was strong for the Sun’s once again. Just announced in the NZ Falcons squad for Melbourne, Cathcart was hard in at the contest and was able to evade the Giants to set up the Sun’s forward line.
The Sun’s took it to another level in the second half kicking 5 goals to 1 in the third quarter.
Jonah Christians was working well with ruckman Patrick Landy as the Sun’s managed to take control of the game.
Mornington stars Adam Harris and Max Urwin moved up the field and took advantage kicking a couple of goals between them.
Sam McKenzie and the Giants couldn’t stop the Sun’s as they went hard on attack to kick another 4 goals in the final term to win their second game in a row.
The two sides will meet again in the Plate final this weekend on April 14th with kick off at 12.30pm.
The hero:
Otago’s Josh Mackie was given a defensive role this week and was terrific down back for the Sun’s.
The support cast:
Jonah Christians had a strong game playing in the midfield as he continues his fast development playing at the top level.
The consolation effort:
Tyson Schmid gave it his all and has been among the Giants best all season.
Goal Scorers:
Northern Suns: James Bowden 3, Adam Harris 2, Jordan Thompson 2, Reed Cathcart 1, Max Urwin 1, Heta Scarf-Matthews 1, Will Kempt 1, Josh Mackie 1, Lewis Gill 1, Tom Hayhoe 1
Central Giants: James McKenzie 3, Tyson Schmid 2, Matt Keyse 1, Troy Brown 1, Sam McKenzie 1, Luke Settineri 1
Best on ground:
Northern Suns: Josh Mackie
Central Giants: Luke Settineri
