Woodside Breaks Free Late to Claim Gritty Win Over Rosedale
Woodside has emerged with a hard‑earned four points after outlasting Rosedale in a low‑scoring, grinding contest that only opened up in the final term.
From the outset, the match was an arm wrestle. Rosedale controlled long patches of possession with their kick‑and‑catch style, forcing Woodside to defend for extended periods. Coach Hudson Holmes said his side knew exactly what they were walking into.
“We knew it was going to be a tough contest, they play a different brand of football, a lot of kick and catch, so we had to apply pressure and reduce their ball use. Stay level‑headed and grind it out.”
Despite Rosedale’s control of the ball, Woodside’s back seven held firm all afternoon. Their discipline behind the ball prevented the Blues from capitalising on their possession game.
“The Missen brothers were great all game, the whole back seven were,” Holmes said. “Nothing really special, just lock down for two hours and we got the four points.”
The first three quarters were defined by stoppages, repeat contests and limited scoring opportunities. Holmes said the key was simply absorbing Rosedale’s method.
‘Just locked down for two hours and we got the four points.
“It was probably how Rosedale possessed the ball, we just had to soak it up. We knew the game would open up if we absorbed the game plan.”
Woodside had chances late in the third term to create separation but couldn’t convert.
“We had some opportunities in the third which we didn’t capitalise on, so we were close to getting a good lead. Message stayed the same — keep grinding.”
And grind they did.
When the final quarter arrived, Woodside finally broke the game open. Their pressure lifted, their ball movement sharpened, and they were able to play the game on their terms for the first time all afternoon.
“Just an arm wrestle and eventually we got to play our brand,” Holmes said.
With their leaders standing tall and several younger players stepping up in key moments, the Wildcats surged clear to secure a valuable win.
“There’s always going to be tough games, it’s good our leaders stood up as did some of our younger players too.”
Holmes wasn’t looking too far ahead, even with a rivalry match looming next week.
“We just focus on the task at hand. Rival games — who knows what can happen. We just play what’s in front of us.”
In a match where patience, structure and resilience mattered more than flair, Woodside proved they could outlast a disciplined opponent and finish the job when the moment arrived.
Score board
Rosedale 1.2 8 4.4 28 6.6 42 6.6.42
Woodside 2.2 14 4.4 28 6.7 43 9.13 67
Rosedale Best: Zach Felsbourg, Caleb Barnett, Luke Stuckey, Brodey Rudd, Lachlan Speairs, Lachlan McDonald
Rosedale Goals Blake Safstrom 1, Will logan 1, Jake Pauley 1, Spencer Fox 1, Lachlan McDonald 1
Woodside Best: Daniel Missen, Matt Dyke, Rowan Missen, Joshua Morgan, Ben Johnson, Alex Jeffs
Woodside goals Adam Janssen 1, Thomas King 1, Joh Fythe 1, Zac Richards 1, Riley Denovan 3, Cooper Earles 1, Matt Dyke 1
Woodside won by 25 points
Reserves
Rosedale 7.3 45 Woodside 10.9 69
Rosedale Best: Charlie Griffin, Connor Macleod, Hunter Henry, Corey Buys, Angel Lucas, Mitchell Bradley
Woodside Best: Alex Walpole, Luke Anedda, Christopher Whiteoak, Ricky Benis, Blake Reed, Matthew Ellman
Thirds
Rosedale 15.12 102 Woodside 5.4 34
Woodside Best: Archie Francis, Tyson Coulthard, Thomas Batters, blake norman, Cooper Earles, James Mattern
Woodside goals James Mattern 2, Taj Albert 1, Blake Norman 1 Charlie Winter Michael Goldman 1
