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A superb Swans effort brings home the bacon

Sam JonesNorth West Telegraph
Swans win the 2020 Pilbara League flag
Camera IconSwans win the 2020 Pilbara League flag

South Hedland Swans coach Joe Ewan always believed his side was the best in the North Pilbara Football League — it’s just taken until the grand final for the rest of the league to know it.

The Swans went from second to premiers after steamrolling favourites and minor premiers the Karratha Kats by 36 points in the grand final at Kevin Scott Oval on Saturday.

Zephaniah Skinner kicking for goal
Camera IconZephaniah Skinner kicking for goal

Forty years since the club’s first premiership season, the flag was lifted once more and the historic moment wasn’t lost on players, coaches or supporters.

“We f...... did it boys,” Ewan said at the flag presentation.

“We’ve played hard all season and really turned up today — you boys gave us 80 minutes of football and you deserve this.

“Now let’s get some beers.”

South Hedland Swans coach Joe Ewan was proud of his team.
Camera IconSouth Hedland Swans coach Joe Ewan was proud of his team.

The Swans got off to a flying start in the first quarter, going tit-for-tat with the Kats but emerging better for it, ending the first term up by a goal.

The second quarter was perhaps the defining period, with the Swans putting five goals away without a single behind while holding the Kats to just 1.1 to lead by 29 points at the main break.

Karratha Kats accuracy in front of goal let them down on the night.
Camera IconKarratha Kats accuracy in front of goal let them down on the night.

Half-time was a tale of two sides, the Kats players looking exhausted, sitting on the ground and wondering if they could recover, while the Swans were all standing, huddled and rearing to go. In the third quarter the Kats give it all they had left but still not enough.

Swans again surged, booting 4.1 while the Kats could only muster two.

The final term felt more a formality than a contest with the Swans holding the ball in midfield and making sure they gave no opportunities for the Kats to pounce.

Swans toppled minor premiers Karratha Kats in decisive fashion.
Camera IconSwans toppled minor premiers Karratha Kats in decisive fashion.

Some poor accuracy in front of goal meant the small glimpse of hope Kats players had was snuffed out.

The Kats scored 1.5 whilw the South Hedland Swans, went on to seal the emphatic 13.3 (81) to 6.9 (45) victory.

Karratha players were dissapointed with their lacklustre performance.
Camera IconKarratha players were dissapointed with their lacklustre performance.

Speaking to the North West Telegraph just seconds after the final siren, South Hedland Swans president Barry Taylor said the win signalled an important step forward for the club.

“It’s fantastic, it’s been a hard year with COVID, the league’s done a great job and it’s been a great contest between the two sides, we’re just lucky enough to come home with the bacon tonight,” Taylor said.

It was smiles all round for Swans players and staff. Club president Barry Taylor took over the position five years ago and has seen the club go from strength to strength.
Camera IconIt was smiles all round for Swans players and staff. Club president Barry Taylor took over the position five years ago and has seen the club go from strength to strength.

South Hedland Swans captain Pauric Bannon said his team had fought all season and deserved the result on the day.

“We had a tough time with the Kats all year, to come out and play like this in the grand final is just awesome,” he said.

“It’s probably the best four quarters of footy we’ve played all year.”

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