Page 76 - AFL QUEENSLAND 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW

But the bigger, stronger bodies of the QLD/NT team were not so accommodating and Adam Clarke finally snuck through a steadier late in the quarter to give the QLD/NT outfit a 41 point buffer going into the final break.
NSW were attacking early on in the last quarter but inaccuracy and some poor decision making in front of goal saw them give up any chance of a comeback.
From there it was just a formality for the Northerners who kicked three in the final term to take the final score to 13.13 (91) to 6.10 (46)
A happy Blair said that a strong first quarter had set the game up for the team.
“You always hope to get off to a good start,” said Blair.
“We were good, and then we were a bit flat, and then we came well again.
“I thought it would be more of an arm wrestle than it actually was so that in itself is good.”
Post-match Blair pinpointed the players who had proved the difference on the day.
“Emery was really good up front. He took some good marks and kicked some good goals.
“Oxley was good in defence and in and around the footy, Eddie Mallan was really good early and his contested ball work was great.
“Ryan Thompson was a good leader, he did well with them and Sam Walker played a strong match.”
And how did Blair rate his own performance? “I didn’t have to do much,” said the coach. “I just sat there and watched them play.”
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2012 Year in Review