EVERYTHING was on the line for both the Bulldogs and the Hawks down in Katanning in the 2005 preliminary final played at Quartermaine oval last Sunday.
After a physically tiring game against Kukerin/Dumbleyung the week before, Wagin was buoyed by the return of big man Ryan Gillam, and it was he who got precedings underway on the scoreboard with a great snap goal from deep in the pocket.
The Hawks peppered the goals early, but were unable to capitalise on numerous opportunities, kicking six points before Ashley Ugle slotted their first.
Play see-sawed up and down the ground in windy conditions, with Aaron Painter kicking one more goal into a strong wind for the Bulldogs.
Brayden Reynolds kicked two up the other end for the Hawks, and these two goals saw Narrogin take an 11 point lead into quarter time, which was a small margin with a substantial breeze at their backs.
Narrogin 3.7, Wagin 2.2.
It was the Hawks who opened the scoring in the second quarter when Gerald Ugle goaled within a minute of the start of play.
Wagin replied quickly with goals to Eades and Gillam and when Blair Parsons was on the end of a 65 metre centre clearance from Baden Schinzig, he had no trouble going back and goaling to put the Bulldogs in front.
It was a high intensity game, with plenty of ferocious tackling and hard hitting.
The quarter once again ebbed and flowed and it was eventually the Bulldogs that took a slender two point lead into the long break, 5.6 to an inaccurate Narrogin Hawks 4.10.
Wagin made the ideal start to the third quarter when Eades snapped his second and extended the Wagin lead. Lindsay Riley responded immediately for the Hawks and when Gerald Ugle put through his second for the Hawks they regained the lead.
Neither team seemed able to take control of the game or score goals, with most of the game being played in a tight, physically and mentally tiring style of football for the Bulldogs, who were now involved in their second physical contest in two weeks.
Spectacular goals from Rocky Eades and Alby Humphries provided some footage for the highlights reel for both teams.
When Lindsay Riley scored the last goal of the quarter, the margin became 10 points, 8.12 to 7.8.
With the breeze at their back and a premiership to defend, in spite of being 10 points down, Wagin was in the box seat to cruise into the 2005 UGSFL grand final.
It was the Hawks who came out in the final quarter full of running, playing to be in the first grand final in the clubs short history.
Wagin looked tired and slow on their feet and the Hawks peppered the goalmouth into the wind, but were unable to capitalise on their opportunities.
When Rocky Eades put through his fourth for the afternoon, Wagin in spite of being outplayed throughout the match were in with a chance.
It was the only glimmer of hope and it faded away pretty quickly when Ashley Ugle slotted his second.
It took some X Factor magic to put a stake through the hearts of the battered Bulldogs when Russell Gooley ran in and kicked a spectacular goal from deep in the forward pocket to put Narrogin in front by 20 points.
Wagin struggled throughout the final quarter, and the Narrogin Hawks progressed to the grand final to take on Kukerin/Dumbleyung, winning 10.16.76 to 8.8.56.
It was a disappointing end for the minor premiers, failing to win a final in 2005. Gerald Ugle, Lindsay Riley, Ashley Ugle and Brayden Reynolds each kicked two goals for the Hawks while Rocky Eades was the only shining light for the Bulldogs up forward kicking four goals.
Teenager Alby Humphries was outstanding for the Hawks, and was well supported by Nathan Turvey, Ralph Kickett, Russell Gooley and Rocco Lanciano. Shaun Robinson was the best for the Bulldogs, whilst Baden Schinzig also contributed well for his side.
All hope is not lost for the Wagin Football Club as the reserves side defeated Williams by six points, 5.8 to 5.2, to progress through to the grand final to play the Narrogin Hawks at Wickepin next week.
The reserves side is in a rich vein of form and lets try and get behind our seconds players and see Wagin bring home one type of premiership medallion, albeit not the league one.
The game is out at Wickepin at 12:00, there is still hope for the Bulldogs yet.
People are again reminded that the wind-up and fairest and best count will be held at the Wagin Rec Centre on September 23.
RSVP to Terry South (98611246) or Margaret Painter (98611591).
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