Graetz stars as Cardiff claim points

Picture by: Max Mason-Hubers

Written by Josh Callinan 

Originally published in the Newcastle Herald

 

 

CARDIFF player-coach Nick Tomlinson said Hawks ruckman Bryce Graetz was a deserving recipient of the Anzac Medal following Thursday’s 61-point win over Warners Bay at Pasterfield Sports Complex.

The reigning Cardiff best and fairest kicked two second-half goals, one in each quarter, and was just in everything against the Bulldogs in what was the Black Diamond Cup’s first Anzac Day clash held on April 25.

He [Graetz] is the type of bloke who does all the stuff that rarely gets noticed, Tomlinson said.

He is a workhorse and it was nice that he got recognised like that.

The silverware was handed out at the new Cameron Park venue after the Hawks continued their unbeaten start to the 2019 season.

Cardiff (13.14-92 ) ran away from Warners Bay (4.7-31 ) following the main break.

They made life pretty tough for us, Tomlinson said.

It took until the third quarter to really shake them.

Warners Bay got the first major after trailed by nine points after the first term.

The margin was 15 at halftime (42-27 ) despite initially trading two goals apiece in the second quarter.

Cardiff then kicked seven straight without reply in the second half.

It was a good lesson for us and shows you’ve got to compete in all four quarters, Warners Bay coach Marty Reiman said.

I liked more than I didn’t like, but we’ve got a way to go to bridge the gap.

Round four in the AFL Hunter Central Coast competition continues on Saturday.