Panton Hill missed an opportunity to progress straight through to the premiership decider last week when it was soundly beaten by the Demons in the second semi final in a 41-point result.
The Redbacks failed to use the breeze to their advantage in both the first and third quarters and only truly threatened in the last term when they kicked three consecutive goals to reduce Mernda’s lead to 14 points.
Despite the loss, Panton Hill still heads into this week’s preliminary final as the favourite to again face off against Mernda given its superb form during the home and away season.
It lost just once in the regular season en route to its first minor premiership since 1972 and responded to that defeat with eight consecutive victories up until last Saturday.
Having gleaned so much finals experience during his time at Heidelberg, playing-coach Dean Haydock will ensure his side doesn’t dwell on the disappointment of last week for too long with another chance to progress to the big dance awaiting this weekend.
His side has twice beaten Reservoir during the season and both times by comfortable margins. The two sides headed into their Round 6 clash at Crispe Park undefeated where Panton Hill prevailed by 25 points, before claiming an 18-point win last time around.
The second victory could have been a lot more convincing but for the Redbacks kicking a dreadful 2.10 in the opening term when they had the Mustangs on the ropes.
Competition leading goal kicker Jonathon Byron needs just one goal to reach the magical ton. He booted three of his side’s seven majors last weekend and has 14 in his two outings against Reservoir this season.
The Mustangs had to hold off a late challenge from St Mary’s last Sunday before progressing through to the second last week of the season.
After dominating for three quarters, Ross Terranova’s men lapsed only slightly in the final term but it was enough to allow the Burras back into the contest with five goals in next to no time.
But aside from the brief fadeout, the Mustangs were superb in the first semi final where they recorded their sixth consecutive win.
Ashley Flavel was best afield and kicked seven goals to race past 50 goals for the season, while Toby O’Meara’s strong hands and accurate kicking were again a feature as he finished the day with four majors next to his name.
Jarrod Skinner was clean through the middle, while Ryan Docherty’s poise and drive off half back was again on display. Panton Hill will certainly put plenty of time into trying to quell Docherty’s influence this week, with his penetrating field kicking enabling Reservoir to break the lines quickly.
Unfortunately, a sour point did come out of last week’s win with what looked a serious leg injury to Dave Roberts who was stretchered from the field midway during the second quarter after landing awkwardly in a marking contest.
2012 HEAD TO HEAD
Round 13: Panton Hill 13.16 (94) def Reservoir 11.10 (76)
Round 6: Reservoir 12.8 (80) def by Panton Hill 15.15 (105)
