SOUTH Morang secured its place in the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 finals with a 78-point final-round triumph over Mernda at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
While the Lions rejoiced the 24.14 (158) to 12.8 (80) win, the Demons were left reeling after missing out on a spot in this year’s finals series.
The heavy defeat, coupled with St Mary’s massive win over Kilmore, meant the Demons slipped to fifth place on the ladder at the conclusion of the regular season – the first time all year they have not occupied a place inside the top four.
South Morang, St Mary’s and Mernda all finished the season on 48 points, with superior percentage elevating the Lions and Burra above the Demons.
Leading by 28 points at the main break, the Lions went on with the job with a 14-goal to six second half to secure their fifth win in succession, and third in a row against a fellow finals contender.
Wayne Pavitt, Luke Shelton and Kane Maghamez combined for 10 goals to head a list of outstanding players from the home side, while Anthony Capeci’s two goals and elite disposal by foot were also impressive.
Josh Delaney and Matthew Campbell were the shining lights on a forgettable day for the visitors, with Delaney the side’s leading goal kicker with three majors.
South Morang’s dominance began from the opening bounce, kicking the first five goals of the game in quick time, including two brilliant majors from Shelton.
Daniel Bryant and Campbell pegged two back for the visitors but they just could not contend with the pressure from the Lions, which forced many turnovers from the Demons.
Facing a 25-point deficit at quarter time, Mernda coach Jason Ford was most disappointed with his side’s low tackle count in the opening term and demanded a big improvement in the second quarter, after applying just six tackles to quarter time.
Mernda started the second quarter on the front foot, kicking the first two goals through Riley Black and Anthony Cardamone, before Anthony Bradford and Christian Cawsey also converted as the Demons kicked four of the opening five goals of the term.
Things began to heat up late into the quarter with a number of 50m penalties given and Shelton, Capeci and Daniel Caruso kicking the last three goals of the half to give South Morang a comfortable 27-point lead at half time.
The Lions wrote their name all over the third quarter. After Cawsey kicked the opening goal for the visitors, the Lions piled on seven unanswered goals, highlighted by two unbelievable high flying grabs from Jordan Steele and Caruso.
With its season on the line, the third quarter was one to forget for Mernda, struggling to get its hands on the ball and create any type of pressure on South Morang to head into the final change 67 points behind.
Mernda showed glimpses of improvement in the final quarter with a five-goal term, as they tried to gain some respect back on the scoreboard.
However, the Demons were unable to stop South Morang’s potency at the other end, with the home side piling on another seven goals to wrap up an impressive day and finish Mernda’s season early.
South Morang will now play St Mary’s in the first semi final, in a knockout clash at Whittlesea Showgrounds.
The Lions will be hunting their first finals win since their 2011 grand final triumph, while the Burra will be looking for an historic first finals win.
Final score: South Morang 24.14 (158) def Mernda 12.8 (80)
