Mernda last tasted Grand Final success in 1991 when it claimed the Division 2 premiership, while for Panton Hill the wait for a flag has now extended to a 57th year.
In fact, the Redbacks have never won a premiership while competing in the Northern Football League and former Diamond Valley Football League, with their sole premiership coming in 1955 while competing in the now defunct Panton Hill Football League.
The two sides dominated the home and away season, with Panton Hill eventually taking out the minor premiership for the first time since 1972 courtesy of wins in 17 of its 18 games in the regular season.
However, the higher ladder position counted for nothing in the second semi final where Mernda claimed a 41-point victory at Shelley Street Reserve, ending the Redbacks’ eight-game winning streak.
The result allowed the Demons to rest up last weekend and those who ventured out to Epping Recreation Reserve to watch the preliminary final between Panton Hill and Reservoir would have loved what they witnessed.
In one of the most hard-fought and enthralling battles witnessed in recent history, the Redbacks prevailed by four points after trailing for most of the afternoon. The gruelling nature of the game certainly would have pleased the Mernda faithful and it will be interesting to see how much petrol is left in the tank for Panton Hill following the battle.
Benn Parker was the hero for the Redbacks and continued his brilliant form by winning countless disposals through the midfield, while Brendan O’Connor was instrumental in the second half when the game needed a match-winner.
It was also an historic afternoon, with Jonathon Byron’s first goal allowing him to become the first player in Division 3 to kick 100 goals in a season.
How Panton Hill addresses this game will be interesting after it was completely outplayed when the sides last met a fortnight ago.
Luke Howard and David Hutchinson were dominant all afternoon for Mernda, while Matthew Rees and Rohan Davies continued to rack up disposals at will.
Christian Cawsey also did the job on Byron – restricting the competition leading goal kicker to three goals – and Mernda will have one hand on the premiership cup if he can do a similar job on Saturday.
Up forward, Jacob O’Donnell has good form against Panton Hill. He booted a team-high three goals in the second semi final, and slotted six when Mernda accounted for the Redbacks by 100 points back in Round 10.
It must be said that it’s hard to get a genuine gauge on the head-to-head form between the two sides given the large differences in results throughout the season.
Mernda has had two comfortable wins, although Panton Hill has also registered two solid victories against its Grand Final opponent during the year. The Redbacks restricted the Demons to just three goals in a 24-point win in Round 16 which clinched first place, and also claimed a two-goal win back in Round 2.
Given each club’s limited success in recent times, Saturday is certain to create one of the feel good stories of the year whichever way the result goes.
Panton Hill in 2012
16 wins – 2 losses, Points For – 1863, Average For – 104, Points Against – 1179, Average Against – 66, Average Winning Margin – 52, Average Losing Margin – 71, Current Streak – W1, Leading Goal Kicker – Jonathon Byron (104)
Mernda in 2012
14 wins – 3 losses, Points For – 1733, Average For – 102, Points Against – 885, Average Against – 52, Average Winning Margin – 63, Average Losing Margin – 16, Current Streak – W3, Leading Goal Kicker – Cameron Curlis (36)
HEAD TO HEAD IN 2012
Second Semi Final: Panton Hill 7.7 (49) def by Mernda 13.12 (90)
Round 16: Mernda 3.7 (25) def by Panton Hill 7.7 (49)
Round 10: Panton Hill 8.8 (56) def by Mernda 24.12 (156)
Round 2: Mernda 9.20 (74) def by Panton Hill 13.8 (86)
