The Avenel Swans went down to Nagambie on Sunday, August 25. Photo: Monica Crnko
Avenel exited the Kyabram District Football Netball League finals race on Sunday afternoon with a disappointing 42-point loss to Nagambie.
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The Swans, who defeated the Lakers by 36 points in round seven on their home turf, headed into the elimination final clash at Lancaster Recreational Reserve as favourites.
Finals, though, are a different beast altogether, and it was clear from the first siren that Nagambie had improved greatly since the clash in June.
Paul Arandt was among the best for Avenel against Nagambie. Photo: Monica Crnko
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This improvement was evident on the scoreboard, as the Lakers raced to a four-goal lead by the end of the first quarter.
Behind by 38 points midway through the second quarter, the Swans finally awoke as Dylan Hosted and Braydon and Corey Avola all scored goals to close the margin to six points at half-time.
Unfortunately, a goalless second half would be the death knell to Avenel's premiership hopes, as Nagambie stretched the margin to 32 at three-quarter time before ending the game 42 points to the good at the final siren.
The Lakers now face the Shepparton East Eagles at Undera on Sunday at 2:30pm.
Braydon Avola, Angus Norris, Paul Arandt, Tim Dundon, Hugh Smith and Jack Myers were the best on a disappointing day for Avenel.
Not all the news was bad for the Swans, as their reserves crushed Tallygaroopna by 85 points in their elimination final at Avenel Recreational Reserve.
The Swans dominated the game from the opening bounce, holding the Redlegs scoreless to take a three-goal lead into the first break.
Hamish Allen led the way as the Avenel reserves accounted for Tallygaroopna. Photo: Monica Crnko
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Monica Crnko
Kyle Hopkins dominated up forward, kicking four first-half goals and giving his side a six-goal lead at half-time.
Tallygaroopna scored its first goal with only a minute left in the first half courtesy of Joshua Sidebottom.
A three-goal-to-none third quarter put paid to any Redleg comeback, as the Swans ran out 85-point winners.
Tyson McCoomb, Lachlan McKenzie, Jai Heers, Joshua Carrafa, Blake Knight and Hamish Allen were the best for Avenel.
Next up for the Swans is Stanhope at Undera on Sunday in a semi-final clash.
Having defeated the Lions by 18 points in round four, Avenel will be slight favourites.
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