THERE are few more precious commodities in football than a goal kicking midfielder.
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And yesterday Colby Rix played the part to perfection in a best-on-ground performance to help Old Collegians to a memorable elimination final win.
Rix kicked four goals in the Warriors’ 26-point win over Allansford while also getting plenty of the ball through the middle of the ground.
The 21-year-old has been a valuable addition for the Warriors this season kicking 20 goals from 18 games.
Rix played his junior football at Old Collegians, which included winning the league under 14½ best and fairest in 2006.
He spent two years playing at Warrnambool which included being a member of the Blues’ losing grand final team back in 2011.
A teammate that day was his first cousin Jason Rowan, the Blues’ gun goalkicker.
Halfway through the following season he moved to Western Australia where he spent 18 months, returning this season.
Rix said he is happy to be back at the Warriors.
“This is my home club so it was a pretty easy decision to make that I would play here when I came back,” Rix said.
“It’s good to be back and it was a great win today. It is a pretty even competition and anyone can beat anyone on their day.
“I change between the middle and half-forward and it was good to be able to snag a few today.”
The spread of goalkickers for Old Collegians was one of the big positives to come out of the win with Josh Walsh and Aaron Williams also kicking four goals.
Clever medium-sized forward Josh Stapleton kicked three goals to illustrate the potency of the Warriors’ forward half.
Old Collegians coach Daryl Beechey said he encourages his midfielders to hit the scoreboard.
“Getting goals out of the middle is always good and our blokes have been good at pushing back but we also need them going forward.
“We have been working with them to back themselves and push forward, so it is pleasing to see that happen.”