Despite an enormous comeback from Lower Plenty, Banyule were able to hold on by the skin of its teeth to prevail by five points in the MC Labour Division 2 qualifying final at Epping Recreation Reserve.
James Kayrooz and Michael Edwards kicked three first-half goals each, with a strong midfield putting Banyule into a commanding position at the main break, leading by eight goals. But having fought back into games all season, Lower Plenty were destined to respond.
A tactical decision to push Darcy Barden up the ground saw the game turn in Lower’s favour, with the veteran bobbing forward kicking two goals to help swing momentum.
Lower Plenty had their chances late, but couldn’t find the go-ahead goal they needed, eventually going down 10.9 (69) to 11.8 (74).
The test of depth in Banyule’s midfield passed with flying colours as despite missing Riley Loton before the match, Adam Carafa picked up the pieces saving one of his best performances of the year for the finals while also kicking the first goal of the contest in the early stages to help set the tone for his side in the opening half.
Reuben Blackmore-Moore was also influential when he was pushed further up the ground, and after having a quiet start to the game, he’d get more involved as the afternoon wore on to finish amongst one of the best players in the side’s win.
Having been one of the top ruck’s of the division this season, Tim Martin was once again huge ensuring his side got first use out of the middle while also pushing down back and putting in some great defensive efforts. Arben Dani was also impressive down in defence and proved to be damaging on the counterattack with his speed off half back.
Tom Keys, Darcy Barden and Josh Turner were named in the best for Lower Plenty in the losing effort.
Keys and Barden were inspirational for their side, doing everything to keep them in the game in the opening half, before doing everything to try and win the game in the second half.
Despite finishing the contest with the same amount of scoring shots, it would take a while for Phil Plunkett’s side to come to life, kicking just one major in the first half, with Banyule ran rampant early.
Paul Harris’ men led by 20 points at the first change before going on a tear in the second term with Kayrooz, Edwards and Jack Langford combining to help their side put one foot in the door of a semi-final date with Eltham.
Needing a spark in the second half, Corey Sleep, Jonathon Zapantis and Darcy Barden kicked three consecutive goals to give Lower Plenty some belief heading into three quarter time despite still trailing by 35 points.
What followed would be one of the best finals quarters of the season, with the Bears kicking six goals to one, and getting to within a one goal margin on two occasions. A goal by Langford for Banyule with just under five minutes to go would be enough to seal the deal for his side.
