Diamond Creek has clinched a spot in the MC Labour Division 2 Grand Final in a dominant display, responding from their semi-final loss last weekend to run out 47-point victors over St Mary’s at Epping Recreation Reserve.
The 12.10 (82) to 4.11 (35) result marks a first Grand Final appearance for the Creekers since 2017, as Andrew Tranquilli’s men adjusted better to the blistery conditions. In the process they’d record arguably the club’s biggest win since their semi-final triumph over Lower Plenty last year.
Having been a strong defensive unit this season, the Creekers backline stood up again as the Burra struggled to get many decent looks on goal.
Matthew Lewis in particular stood tall putting in one of his best performances of the season.
He’d be tasked with shutting down the in-form Jeremiah Antypas and having gotten the better of him in their two meetings earlier in the year, with Antypas going goalless on both occasions, he’d have his measure for a third time, keeping the key forward goalless.
Impressing alongside him down back would be Billy Bedford, who was valuable with his run and carry off half back, while he helped create scoring opportunities for the Creekers on the counterattack.
Joel Randall and Dale Marshall were also impressive inside defensive 50 and made for an array of impressive contributors for the Creekers.
Further afield Ryan Pingree and Jayden Walker caused headaches up forward, the pair would finish the day with three goals a piece and looked lively up inside the attacking 50.
The Burra’s day was hampered by losing their young star Tane Cotter early in the piece, having been struck down with injury.
Vincent Loccisano would do his best to provide a spark out of the middle in his absence. He’d finish the day as Burra’s best player, trying his best to help turn his side’s fortunes around by having an influence around the contest as the side’s standout performer in the loss.
Huon MacGibbon was able to get the better of Nicholas Barro in the ruck contests and around the ground and was another rare highlight for the Burra. He’d achieve what not too many opposing rucks have been able to do this season when matched-up on the Diamond Creek big man.
Having been an evenly fought opening term, with the margin at just seven points at the first change, Fabien Carelli’s men would be blown away in the second quarter with a four goal to one term, which helped the Creekers distance themselves from their opponents and head into half time with a handy 28-point lead.
It was spearheaded by Jai Norman, Jayden Walker and Sage Dicello, who each found the big sticks in quick succession to help his side jump ahead.
The Burra returned from the half time break the better of the two sides and looked poised to mount a fightback when Jake Dambrauskas goaled early.
Though it’d be short-lived as the Creekers would respond with the next three goals to ensure they headed into the final term in the box to return to the Grand Final.
The opening major of the last term came from Ryan Pingree. It was his third of the match and it put the result beyond any doubt, as they finished 37-point winners and set up an enthralling Grand Final contest with Eltham next week.
