Southern Flinders have only themselves to blame for this 31-point defeat at the hands of their historically bitter rival Booleroo-Melrose-Wilmington at Wirrabara on Saturday.
The Tigers went in without leading goalkickers John McKenna and Garry Hull, and Scott Mazzone who had a few kicks in the B grade.
Also missing were Dan Keeley and Daryl Boylan so there were some big holes to fill.
The Lions also missed the services of Jason Speed and Caleb Girdham but the 21 players they put on the park wanted to win the game more than the Tigers 21 did.
At times some Southern Flinders players were pinged for various infringements that should not have been there in the first place.
But at least four – possibly five – goals were scored by BMW as a direct result of the penalties.
On the end of a win for the Lions was a possible fourth-place finish to the year with a spot in next week’s elimination final.
And that is exactly how they approached the match – fully committed and in a winning mindset.
The oval was in top shape despite the very ordinary conditions that prevailed and so it was never going to be a high scoring game.
The homeside was first on the board after a classy passage of play that came up from their half back line – through Brogan Whitelaw, Brett Ballantyne and Rhys Millington – caught the BMW defence off guard.
Scott Brand ended up with the Sherrin and despite some heavy traffic he smartly wheeled around to improve the angle of his pot shot, which drew two flags and a big cheer from the strong crowd.
A minute later a free kick on the wing set Brand up for his second but he unselfishly passed off to Matt Woolford who unloaded a perfect left footer.
The Lions were in danger of folding but coach Andrew ‘Dougal’ Milne moved himself from full forward – yet to be visited by the ball – into the middle and the centre square dynamics changed dramatically.
Though Brand goaled again after a BMW mis-kick let him in and Tiger Rhys Stanbridge scored after another mishandling error by the BMW backs.
It was four goals to zip when BMW centre half forward Zac Murphy converted a free kick following some indiscreet work in the Tigers backline and BMW scored again straight after.
A free kick to Lachie ‘LJ’ McCallum about 25 metres out had Tiger supporters up in arms, especially when the two flags came out but it all settled down. Southern Flinders played some inspirational football and were able to take a three-goal lead into quarter time.
From then on the contest became one-sided as BMW took control and completely dominated their opponents all over the ground. Southern Flinders scored 2.5 for the remainder of the game while BMW recorded 11.3 to run out easy winners in the end.
Best for BMW started with coach Andrew Milne who kicked three goals.
Geordie McCallum controlled the rucks and was instrumental in many of BMW’s clearances, defender Casey McCallum had a good game as did Michael Bury in the back pocket, Kendrick McCallum in the centre and teen Eamon Fetherstonhaugh who came off the bench to a wing and was very productive.
Zac Murphy, Lachie ‘LJ’ McCallum and Todd Carey kicked three goals each.
The Tigers were well served by centreman Matt Woolford and coach Scott Brand who each kicked two goals.
Quentin Janz battled away in ruck all day, skipper Ben Brown and full back Brendan ‘Chunky’ Zander also contributed. Rhys Millington and Brogan Whitelaw flashed in and out.
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