Andrew Haydon’s prolific fourth quarter helped spur South Mandurah over the line as they snapped Baldivis’ undefeated streak in a thrilling showdown at Falcon Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Brad Holmes starred with a huge 10-goal bag, but it was Haydon’s astonishing efforts in the final term that ignited the fire South Mandurah needed to take down the league leaders 17.9 (111) to 13.10 (88).
The 2017 Ross Elliott medalist gave a stark reminder that he remains the league’s best player with the game hanging in the balance.
Without exaggeration, Haydon was literally involved in every passage of play for the first five minutes of the fourth quarter, giving his team a huge boost as they opened the final term trailing the Brumbies by two points.
But he was by no means alone out there.
A bundle of Falcons put in breathtaking efforts, from Jaydon Cullen’s inspirational spoil and follow-up tackle to Mitch Doney’s spectacular goal.
The lead changed hands three times in the final term, but Holmes was able to nail five of his total 10 with the game on the line to see South Mandurah to the upset win.
The opening three quarters weren’t without highlights, however, with the game an epic blockbuster from start to finish.
South Mandurah had the early jump when Clayton Luttrell and Holmes booted the game’s first two goals, but a pair to Ben Higgs helped Baldivis lead by three points at the first change.
Quarter number two pushed each player’s endurance to the limit with the game see-sawing between the half back lines.
Holmes broke a 10-minute drought with the quarter’s first goal, but South Mandurah fans were holding their breath when he came to the bench with what looked to be a hamstring issue.
Fortunately he would return to the field just minutes after, but in the meantime it was Chris Swarts championing the cause with a string of contested possessions.
Swarts was able to nail one of his three goals just before half time to give voice to the home crowd.
Not much changed throughout the third, with the high skill level resulting in a blow-for-blow bout.
Eddy Dann managed to give the guests a slim lead heading into the final term, but it was a bone-crunching collision between Baldivis’ Kieran Lansdell and Souths’ Joseph McConnell that got fans off their seats.
The Falcons crowd could smell an upset, and their squad gave them every reason to believe when Holmes and Doney converted the first two of the quarter.
Momentum shifted when Higgs booted consecutive majors to give Baldivis the lead again, but it didn’t take long for Holmes to undo the damage.
Cullen was impressive across half back all day, but his finest moment came with a huge burst of run leading him to a contest, where he put a timely and powerful fist to the ball.
He followed up with a tackle that resulted in a goal for Holmes, which sealed the deal on the win with Nathan Hutchison’s final major the cherry on top.