Sport
5 June, 2024
Harding to celebrate 200th performance
FRESH off an eight-goal performance, Simpson Tigers full foward Nick Harding will notch his 200th game this weekend.
Harding’s impressive eight goal haul over the weekend played a pivotal role in Simpson rebounding from back-to-back losses to run away 44-point winners on the road over Apollo Bay.
It was not the start the Tigers hoped for after Apollo Bay kicked three of the first four goals, but Simpson rallied to narrow the deficit to just three at the end of the first.
The second quarter saw the Hawks boot two early goals to extend the lead to 15 points, but the Tigers rallied to kick three majors and three behinds unanswered to carry a 6.4.40 lead over the Hawks 5.4.34 at the half.
Simpson coach Daniel Beard praised the “feisty” Apollo Bay squad which he said has been showing improvement in recent weeks while playing better than their 1-7 win-loss record indicated.
“It took a bit to shake them – they’re an improved unit pulling in some younger players from Geelong footy,” he said.
“We made a couple of positional moves at half time while keying in on our effort and use of the footy in the second half.
“But any time you can go to the bay and come home with an eight-goal win is pretty happy.”
Beard said Apollo Bay were causing some mismatch issues in the midfield and up front, so Brock Neal was moved on to the most dangerous forward and “was able to shut him down”.
The third quarter would prove a turning point on the path to victory, with the Tigers slotting four majors while Apollo Bay add just three points.
“We saw the boys starting to use the footy smarter,” Beard said.
“We tried to open them up a bit and move the ball forward, our forwards were then pretty dangerous and Nick Harding was able to get on to the end of a few goals.”
Simpson strode to victory 15.9.99 winners over Apollo Bay 8.7.55.
“I think our last month has been really good, playing some good footy, and we just have to continue that when playing some of the better sides in the competition,” Beard said.
Best players for Simpson were Ryleigh Mcvilly, Nicholas Harding, Brenton De Jong, AddamMaric, Brock Neal and Sam Rial.
Harding led the scoring with his impressive eight-goal haul, while Jarrod Garth added three and De Jong, Thomas Leighman, Nick Duynhoven and Matthew Drayton all added one.
Next week Simpson will be back at home, taking on seventh placed Birregurra for a chance to keep pace with the top half of the ladder.
“A win could put us at 5-4 at the half way point, and get us where we need to be at the five spot,” Beard said.
“We just want to see more of the same; working on the things we’re doing well and executing the game plan.
“It’s working and the boys have the confidence, they’re going to the right areas straight away when they get the football and from there it’s just about how well we can execute.”
The Birregurra match-up will bring about the milestone 200th game for Harding.
Beard said it was always a great thing to see someone reach such a significant milestone, and congratulated Harding on all he’s accomplished both on the field and the sidelines.
“Coming off the back of a really good week, it would be great to see him kick another bag and celebrate his 200th in style,” he said.
“He’s been a joint coach, a junior coach, a two-time premiership player and one of the league’s best full forwards through his whole career.
“He’s been loyal to the Simpson Tigers for a long time.”
Meanwhile in the reserves, the Tigers showcased a dominant performance as they ran out 13.12.90 winners over the Apollo Bay reserves 1.5.11.
The best on ground Simpson was Daniel Wright, Bradley Gillingham, Jaryd Duynhoven, Matthew Rhode, Brodie Neale and Gus Hawkes.
Neale led the scoring with six while Jordan Riches added two and Rohan Johns, Wright, David Weel, Hawkes and Samuel Newcombe all added one.