With such a massive build-up and a spot on the MCG in the Premier League Grand Final on offer, Hallam unfortunately couldn’t get over their final hurdle. They were defeated by Bendigo SSC in the semi-final at Victoria Park on Wednesday (18 June).
Forty senior boys represented Hallam in the Premier League competition this year and all contributed to gain a spot in the semi-final stage. A replay of the 2013 semi-final saw Hallam up against a committed and talented team from Bendigo who had 18 TAC players from Bendigo Pioneers on their list.
Caleb Millman put in a monumental display at centre half back and had an intriguing battle with Bendigo’s key forward all game.
Trent Thomas in his Premier League debut tore the game apart when he was given the job in the back pocket early in the first quarter. His ability to take his chance when his opportunity arose will be spoken about for years to come.
Matt Soroczynski’s commitment to his team is to be admired. He threw his small frame at everything and nearly inspired his team to a win he deserved.
Tom Glen backed up the ripping form that he has been in this year with the Dandenong Stingrays and was all class across half back.
Captain Troy Toussaint, who never plays a bad game for Hallam, again tried with everything he has inside him and never gave up chasing the dream. His ability to take contested marks against much bigger opponents never ceases to amaze.
Others who can really hold their head high and played great games were Matija Sigeti who played at full back and rarely lost a contest and Braeden Philpin playing in the ruck. Both played undersized in height but finished the game on top.
Premier League
SCOREBOARD
BSSC 6.7 (43)
Hallam 3.8 (26)
Hallam Goals: Denmead, Rice, Myatt. Best: Millman, Thomas, Soroczynski, Glen, Toussaint, Sigeti, Philpin.
