“We’ve toughed it out through the middle of the year with some wet Saturdays and boggy grounds, because we’re a light-bodied side, so it was nice to finally get some nice sunny weather that helped us move the footy a lot quicker than what we’ve been able to do throughout the middle of the year.”
Kalkee used the conditions to its advantage in the first quarter, finding angles to open up the centre corridor and move the ball quickly into attack.
The Kees led 20-2 at quarter time, but the Cougars found their footing in the second and third terms, kicking nine goals to six to draw within four points at the final change, with rebounding defender Lochie Eats and midfielder Josh Clayton making an impact.
But Kalkee re-established its dominance in the last term, kicking five goals to finish with a 14.11 (95) to 10.6 (66) win.
While Matt Nield starred for the Kees with four goals on a wing, Burdett said it had been the side’s best overall performance for the season.
“Jayke Greig has had a really good month of footy. He’s been fantastic because we’ve lost two ruckmen this year with Doug Grining and Mitch Mills going down,” he said.
“Our back six were fantastic. Paddy Mills was fantastic, Matt Magee, and the youngsters Jagger Doolan and Jye Dolan were great. I thought Deacan Campbell did a terrific job at full back as well.
“For effort it was probably our best game for the year with 21 contributors.”
With the recent announcement he would continue as Kalkee coach in 2027, Burdett said he was excited about the near and long-term future of the team.
“I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks, because there’s a lot that can happen in the last two games, especially with the three teams that are fighting for two spots,” he said.
“It’ll be very interesting, because it might end up coming down to that round 18 game between Pimpinio and Kaniva-Leeor.
“If we happen to sneak into the finals and we have a full side, we think we could do anything. I don’t think any of the other teams will be keen to come up against us.”
Elsewhere at the weekend, Edenhope-Apsley continued a strong second half of the season by beating Swifts for the second time in 2026 at Edenhope.
The Saints trailed by 24 points at quarter time before dragging themselves back into the contest with a five-goal second term.
But they still trailed by 17 at the final break, and back-to-back goals from Swifts’ Liam Scott – his fourth and fifth for the afternoon – looked to have secured a win for the visitors on the verge of time on.
Trailing by nine points with six minutes remaining, the Saints received some inspiration from Will Irwin, who knocked a loose ball to team-mate Allan Mcintyre and received a handball back to run into an open goal for his seventh major of the afternoon.
Billy Cameron then capped a huge last quarter when he ripped the ball from a pack and snapped a goal to put the Saints in front with little over three minutes left, and the home side hung on for a 13.10 (88) to 12.12 (84) victory.
The result continued an unfortunate trend of losses in close games for the Baggies, who are 1-7 this season in matches decided by fewer than four goals.
Another close game played out at Dock Lake Reserve, where Rupanyup defeated home side Taylors Lake 17.8 (110) to 14.7 (91).
The Lakers trailed for most of the afternoon but launched a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, kicking five goals to three.
But their effort fell short, as Rupanyup’s Marlon Motlop starred with seven goals, Blake Turner added four and Jack Kreuzberger was a standout in the midfield.
Best for the Lakers were Patrick Lindsey, Dylan Bates, Koby Westerland and coach Lee Marshall, who kicked four goals.
A shorthanded Harrow-Balmoral took care of business at Natimuk Showgrounds, defeating Natimuk United 14.13 (97) to 10.3 (63).
Despite missing several key players, the three-time reigning premiers broke free in the second half, with Will Plush and Cody Deutscher kicking four goals each and Will Burbury continuing his excellent season in the midfield.
The Rams have a bye this weekend, while the Roos will host Edenhope-Aplsey at Harrow. Laharum will return to action to play Swifts on the road, Noradjuha-Quantong is home to Kalkee, Kaniva-Leeor United hosts Taylors Lake and Pimpinio is away to Rupanyup.
The entire July 29, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
