An intriguing pair of semi finals are set to take place this weekend in MC Labour Division 2.
The second semi-final this Saturday at Lalor Reserve promises to be a blockbuster as minor premiers Diamond Creek take on second-placed Macleod in a clash that will decide the first spot in the 2025 MC Labour Division Grand Final.
With only one win separating the two sides across the regular season, this is shaping as one of the matches of the year.
Diamond Creek earned a week off after finishing on top, while Macleod advanced in thrilling fashion, storming back from a 39-point half time deficit to defeat Whittlesea in the qualifying final.
The Creekers and the Roos have met twice already this season.
In Round 1, Diamond Creek dominated with a 41-point win, with Jacob Booth, Jett McLauchlan, Jesse Thompson, Nathan Searl, Bronson Hill and Taj Logan all starring.
However, the tables turned in the return bout, with Macleod edging out the Creekers in a close contest.
Captain Darcy Barden was unstoppable that day, booting seven goals to inspire the Roos to victory, with support from Kurt Manuel and Kobe Brandt, while Booth again shone for Diamond Creek.
Star power will be on full display, with Macleod boasting VFL talent Darcy Hogg and ex-AFL player Michael Hurley, while Diamond Creek will look to ex-AFL recruit Darcy Macpherson alongside VFL-listed Ewan Macpherson and Taj Logan.
The stakes couldn’t be higher – the winner secures a direct path to the Grand Final, while the loser faces a sudden-death preliminary final against either Whittlesea or St Mary’s.
The first semi-final sees Whittlesea and St Mary’s square off at Lalor Reserve on Sunday, with the winner keeping their season alive and the loser bowing out of the 2025 campaign.
The Eagles have had the upper hand this year, defeating the Burra twice.
Their first meeting ended in a 17-point win for Whittlesea, highlighted by a best-on-ground performance from Taidhg Bland, well supported by Jaron Murphy, Thomas Falls, Keidan Tracy, Riley Carter and Paul Higgins.
For St Mary’s, Joseph Maggio and Ty Kitchell were standout contributors.
When they met again just under a month ago, Whittlesea flexed their muscles with a commanding 51-point victory.
Angus Smith was the star, slotting five goals, while Bland and Mitchell Andrews continued their superb seasons. Kitchell was once again among the Burra’s best.
Whittlesea will take plenty of confidence from that dominant performance, as well as from their brave showing against Macleod last week, but finals often produce surprises. St Mary’s will be determined to flip the script and extend their season.
