BALLARAT Football League was left to rue turnovers in a three-point loss to Western Region in the inaugural AFL Victoria Community Championship at Footscray on Saturday.
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The BFL appeared to have grabbed victory in fading light when Matthew Notman put it in front with a goal on 26 minutes.
However, Western Region had the last say with a quick rebound out of defence to a one-on-one. Andrew Panayi received a free kick and kicked the winning goal.
Ballarat coach Shaun O’Loughlin said turnovers had been a major factor in the defeat.
He also highlighted missed opportunities.
“We didn’t take chances.”
The BFL was not alone in this area though.
Western Region was particularly wasteful when kicking with the aid of a wind in the opening quarter, when the play was largely in its attacking half.
O’Loughlin said while Ballarat was competitive at stoppages, Western had superior strength around the football and cleared the ball much better to open up play.
Ballarat’s supply into attack was also not as clean.
Despite the loss, O’Loughlin said he had been extremely proud of the what the players had achieved.
“They were totally committed.
“Their effort could not be questioned.”
He said it had been a real team effort – something he had focused on in the preparation.
We didn’t take chances.
- BFL coach Shaun O'Loughlin
O’Loughlin said he this had extended to the coaching and support staff.
Nick Hind was a stand-out as the BFL’s best, providing continual drive from half back.
His pace troubled the home team all day until he left the ground with an ankle injury late in the last quarter.
Hind was particularly impressive in the first and third quarters, when Western Region was pouring on the pressure while kicking with the wind.
He was a key link as the BFL worked the football out of defence with a high handball rate and short kicking game.
Daniel Tung was another running player to provide a lift along with the lively Nathan Pring in attack and Jarryd Graham, who largely played a defensive role.