PENOLA footballers suffered a huge blow to their 2018 Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara finals campaign on the weekend, with a 73-point loss to Keith.
Played in good conditions at Mundulla, the Eagles were simply unable to run with the Crows late in the game, despite an even start.
The first term saw scores tied, with the Crows beginning to pull away after the break.
Poor kicking by Keith kept Penola in the game, with just 12 points the difference at the long break.
From there the Eagles added just two behinds in the third quarter, while the Crows managed one major score and 10 behinds.
That gave Keith a 22-point advantage heading to the final quarter, with the Eagles still a chance for a come-from-behind win.
However, what happened then took all by surprise, as the Crows ran rampant to bang on 10 final-quarter goals and claim the win in style.
Penola coach Matt Tilby said it was a disappointing result, but he was still pleased with the efforts of his players, who he said never gave up.
“We started out really well and were really competitive, particularly in the first half,” he said.
“We came up with a plan that we thought would enable us to have a successful day, but unfortunately we came up against a pretty red-hot Keith.
“They probably kept us in the game a bit longer through inaccurate kicking, but to our guys credit, they fought it out pretty well.”
Unfortunately for the Eagles they were without star on-baller Simon Berkefeld – who finished the year runner-up in the league best and fairest – after an injury last week, which was felt through the mid-field.
Jacob Pfitzner was out with a hamstring issue, while Jordan Galpin snapped his ACL in the third term.
To add further insult to injury, Brad Maney copped a heavy knock in the final term, but continued on.
Tilby said while he was not making excuses, the losses were hard to replace.
“Jacob Pfitzner has been good for us all year out of the back line,” Tilby said.
“Jordan Galpin has been one of our best players for the season.
“His in-and-under work and pressure around the ball has been exceptional all year.
“He had that (ACL) operated on now and will be out for the rest of the year and a fair bit of next year.
“We will see how Brad Maney comes up this week.
“The couple of guys who were out were definitely hard to replace and this time of year you want all your players on board, but there is not much you can do about injuries.”
Tilby said Brodie Foster presented well up forward, but was short on opportunities, although he still managed three of the Eagles five goals.
He said Luke Walker played a good game, while Brad Maney was “sensational down back”.
Scott Merrett led by example, while Matt Berkefeld and Justin Mansell were given tagging roles, which he said they fulfilled.
Despite the result Tilby said he was still confident heading into this week’s semi-final, which is the last chance for the Eagles to remain in the premiership hunt.
They face Mundulla, who Tilby said had some class players.
“It will be a good challenge, but I feel we do not match up to badly on these guys” he said.
“If we can get first use of the footy, get it to our on-ballers and work hard, we are confident we can get it done.”
