Hurstbridge are off to the preliminary final in Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 following a brilliant 64-point victory over Banyule at Epping Recreation Reserve.
The Bridges produced a commanding four-quarter performance to run out 19.6 (120) to 8.8 (56) winners, securing their second finals triumph and continuing their impressive momentum in September.
Both sides entered the clash with plenty of hunger and drive, with Banyule in their first ever finals campaign and Hurstbridge looking to build on their elimination final victory from the previous week against Montmorency.
Having split their regular season meetings by a combined three points, another tight contest was anticipated.
However, Hurstbridge ensured that would not be the case.
The Bridges started fast, with Caelan Anderson hitting the scoreboard early before Banyule answered through James Kayrooz from a free kick.
Hurstbridge immediately regained control, with their forward line keeping the Bears’ defenders on edge as young gun Nash Dyer slotted his first of many.
The Bears responded through Jack Sammartino, keeping them in the game, alongside Max Jones’ impressive defensive efforts
Hurstbridge lifted another gear in the second term. Their ball movement was slick and composed, constantly opening up Banyule’s defence.
Vice-captain Joel Naylor’s strong contested mark and goal showcased the Bridges’ dominance.
While Logan Kilcullen and Oscar White battled hard to inspire Banyule, the Bears were overwhelmed around the contest and went scoreless for the quarter.
Hurstbridge piled on four goals to none to take a commanding lead of 35-points heading into the break.
The Bears came out with renewed intent after half time.
Noah Wheeler gave his side a lift with a superb major, and their pressure around the ball began to rise.
However, Hurstbridge’s forwards remained ruthless, with Nash Dyer and Caelan Anderson capping off an outstanding afternoon by adding to their growing tally of four goals each.
The contest grew heated, with several scuffles breaking out, but Hurstbridge’s composure ensured they maintained their sizeable lead heading into the last.
Any hope of a Banyule miracle was crushed within minutes of the last quarter.
Hurstbridge opened the term with two quick goals and never looked back.
The Bears struggled to keep up with the Bridges’ intensity and looked lost as the scoreboard continued to climb until the Bridges tallied eight majors in the last.
Blake Fitzgerald and captain Mitchell Moschetti provided instrumental highlights for the Bridges.
Captain Kye Yodgee and Vivian Blackmore-Moore both excelled for the Bears yet the squad felt the pressure from the roaring Hurstbridge crowd and were left unable to respond.
The 64-point triumph was Hurstbridge’s second most dominant display of the season and sent Joel Cordwell’s men into a preliminary final bursting with confidence.
For Banyule, it was a tough ending to a historic season.
From the start, they were doubted, but the Bears have turned their first-ever finals campaign into a valuable learning experience.
Ultimately, they were outclassed by a Hurstbridge side determined to continue their September charge.
They will face Greensborough next week, a 2024 elimination final rematch that saw Greensborough succeed by four points.
