North Albany tense win over Mt Barker leaves the door open for third spot

North Albany remain a chance of finishing in third spot on the Great Southern Football League ladder after winning a close affair in round nine over Mt Barker at Sounness Park on Saturday. The Kangas moved to equal points with Denmark-Walpole and sit just over 9 per cent behind them heading into the final round. Three goals into the swirly breeze in the third term from the Kangas helped set up the 8.14 (62) to 7.9 (51) victory. The Bulls began impressively in the first term, kicking two goals with a strong breeze, but failed to capitalise on a number of opportunities. The Kangas took control in the second and third quarters, booting five goals to open up an 18-point buffer going into the last quarter. The home side rallied in the last term outscoring their opponents three goals to two but it wasn’t enough, as the Kangas hung on for a gritty 11-point victory. Nathan Crudeli was best afield after an impressive display through the midfield and was well supported by ruckman Aden Castlehow and captain Luke Cameron (three goals). Defenders Regan Lloyd and Mitch Woods were rock solid and Nick Barrow also impressed in the Kangas’ sixth win of the year. “I think we got on top in the conditions in the second half,” Kangas coach Leigh Hislop said. “I think in the third term we broke it open with three goals against the breeze.” The Bulls were gallant in defeat but fell to their fourth straight loss. Rhys Hogg was moved into defence and was among the Bulls best while Brent Parson did a great job tagging Kangas star Talon Delacey. Steven Scott was a positive booting three goals while Brendan Wynne played his first game of the year and was a solid contributor in his 100th league game. “It was standard Mt Barker footy this year, one quarter let us down,” Bulls coach Brad Hook said. “In the first term we didn’t make the most of our opportunities with the breeze and North were good in the second with it and in the third against it. “Even though we lost it was a great fight in the last term by the boys and I’m proud of them.”