South Morang have pulled off a remarkable victory over Whittlesea in the MC Labour Division 2 second semi-final, holding on to win by six points at Epping Recreational Reserve to book a place in their first ever Division 2 senior men’s Grand Final.
The Eagles were chasing for most of the afternoon despite leading by six points at quarter time and by 10 points halfway through the third quarter.
South Morang would be 17 points to the good approaching time on in the last term, before the minor premiers would push a final time with back-to-back majors to reduce the deficit to under a goal. But no matter what challenges were thrown their way, the Lions had all the answers to finish 12.11 (83) to 11.11 (77) victors.
Following a quiet start to the final, Joshua D’Intinosante turned it on in the second half, putting in an impressive performance to help get his side over the line having rotated throughout the midfield and forward line.
Having had a small spread of goalkickers against Diamond Creek last weekend, it’d be more of the in the second semi-final, with just five Lions hitting the scoreboard. D’Intinosante finished with three majors, but was outdone inside 50 by Joshua Lansfield, who finished as his side’s best after a massive three-goal final term to end the game with an equal senior career high five goals.
Another to impress for the winning side was James Traianou, who’s run and carry proved to be invaluable on the wing. His ability to break the lines generated multiple scores for his teammates.
Returning to the team from injury, Nathan Stefanile put together another dominant display in the ruck against his former side and would often drifting back to fill a hole in defence when called upon.
Amassing plenty of inside 50s throughout the day, the Eagles did their best to keep their opponents at bay but would eventually come undone as the game wore on.
Jaron Murphy, Matthew Coen and Steven Dempsey were named in the best for Whittlesea, all of whom were impressive in the losing effort. Murphy in particular had one of his best performances of the season and was damaging in the middle of the ground.
Conceding the first two goals of the game, Gary Hall’s men got off to a far from ideal start, but managed to steady late and only trail by six points at the first change.
Their ability to stay in the contest initially would put South Morang in good stead to respond in the second term, where they piled on four unanswered goals in the quarter.
Whittlesea meanwhile would be kept goalless for the term, the first time in 2024 they would produce a quarter without a major, as they went into the main break down by 20 points.
After a defensive opening half, the game would break open in the third term, and with a Grand Final spot up for grabs, both sides opted to break the shackles and go for broke.
Garry Ramsay’s men in particular would make a stand and boot the first five majors of the second half, all coming inside the opening 13 minutes, to suddenly lead by 10 points.
But before Whittlesea could threaten to escape with a bigger lead, South Morang would again respond to the challenge coming their way and would regain their advantage after three quick goals, to take a five-point lead into the last term.
Having kicked two majors earlier in the game, Lansfield would turn the game on its head in the fourth term, kicking his side’s next three majors helping maintain the Lions’ lead despite goals also being produced by the Eagles.
After D’Intinosante extended the margin to 17-points at the midway point of the final term, the Lions looked to have one foot in the door of a Grand Final spot but would face one last scare from Whittlesea.
Jack Morley would weave his wave out of congestion from close range to get his side within two kicks before Clancy Bland marked and goaled from inside the goal square in what would illustrate a major shift in momentum
On the defensive inside the final stages of the game, the Lions back six kept their nerve amidst a flurry of entries from their opponents, having stood tall all day, Deacon and Mitchell Kalpakis would put in some impressive defensive efforts late in the piece to ensure their side came away victorious.
As the siren sounded, the Lions fans rejoiced, having now knocked off the top two sides in consecutive weeks to win their way to the final game of the 2024 season and a shot at a top flight berth.
