If the first week of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 finals action was anything to go by, fans are in for another thrilling two days of entertainment ahead of this weekend’s semi-finals.
It is down to four possible premiers after a tight first opening round of finals which saw both games decided by two goals or less.
On Saturday, Old Paradians and Mernda did battle in the qualifying final for the right to play the Fitzroy Stars. The Raiders led by a few goals for most of the afternoon, then had to withstand a late comeback by the Demons to hang on and win by eight-points.
It confirmed history for Old Paradians, who in their first season in the NFNL, won their first finals match, and are now only a triumph away from a maiden Grand Final appearance.
The Demons had left their run too late in last week’s qualifying final but will be expected to remain a premiership threat ahead of their huge first semi-final battle.
Sunday’s elimination final saw Old Eltham Collegians and Epping contend to stay in the finals race. In a seesawing encounter, the Turtles led by as much as 19 points in the second term, before the Blues turned things around and finished strong to run out 12-point winners.
In a way, the match summed up the season for Matt Sleeman’s men, as at times they looked totally in control, but then also had multiple runs of goals kicked against them. Arguably, it was their run of losses in the middle of the year that looked to be a factor in falling short of a double chance spot this season.
Epping fans will be glad to get the win, despite probably being left feeling that the game could’ve been wrapped up earlier had they kicked straighter. Regardless, they would be extremely happy to be still in the mix.
Watching on last weekend was Fitzroy Stars coach Lionel Proctor. His team takes on Old Paradians at Lalor Reserve this Saturday, with the winner to advance straight to the Grand Final.
If history is anything to go by, most grand final winners in this division have hit top form from the mid-season break onwards, and the lead-in to the finals series by the Stars has been perfect.
Laurimar lost only one game in the second half of the year in 2023 on their way to the flag, while South Morang went undefeated in that period the previous season.
The Stars lost to the Demons at Waterview Recreation Reserve by a solitary point just prior to the bye and have since gone on an eight-game winning streak. This includes a big 53-point triumph over the Raiders at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval in Round 13, with Patrick Farrant and Tyson Pickett each slotting four goals.
That result would give Stars fans plenty of confidence going into this contest, but having said that, it would be imprudent for the top team to take Old Paradians too lightly.
Ben Turner’s men inflicted the biggest loss on the Stars this season when winning to the tune of 22-points at Garvey Oval in Round 3. On that occasion, it was close all day until the home team kicked away in the final quarter, proving that the Raiders can match it up with the minor premiers.
Their fans will be looking for Sam Gilmore to tap the ball to the advantage of the likes of Kyle O’Sullivan and Lachlan Murdoch. If the Raiders can win the clearance battle, it will give them a good chance to push for a victory.
But, of course, the Stars boast a plethora of high-quality players themselves. Kain Proctor has been in great form all season, along with Neville Jetta and Jai Burns. With both midfields capable of clean entry into forward fifty, it might be up to the defences of each team to hold up long enough to achieve the victory.
Blair Healy was a surprise, but successful, move to defence last weekend and he may be an option to play on the dangerous Patrick Farrant.
Old Paradians captain Marcus Nolan is a clever and dangerous small forward who could be a key to what most would consider an upset victory, having slotted 20 goals from just 12 games this season. A mouthwatering matchup could be in store if the Stars opt to put Neville Jetta on him.
With a first ever Division 3 Grand Final berth at stake, a great spectacle is anticipated.
The second Sunday game for the year is the semi-final between Mernda and Epping. While the form of both teams was a little patchy in the latter half of the season, each side hit this clash with decent results in the last fortnight.
The Demons were clinical in disposing of finals hopefuls Ivanhoe by 57 points at Waterview Recreation Reserve in Round 18, and while the win clinched the double chance for Robert Flecther’s men, it also opened the door for the Blues to grab fifth spot, which they would do after a huge 131-point win over Lalor.
The Blues then followed up with what some saw as an upset win over Old Eltham Collegians last week and now hit this semi-final with some momentum.
While it is often tempting to pick the winner of the elimination final to keep progressing, such teams often find it tough to continue their run all the way to the decider. South Morang achieved this feat back in 2019, but many elimination final winners bow out in the second week.
The most memorable aspect of Epping’s finals win last weekend was their ability to transition the ball through the midfield, often with a series of handpasses. If they can repeat this on Sunday, it will take them a long way towards a victory.
A potent midfield including captain Leigh Judd, Corey Middleton, James Tadd and last weekend’s best on ground Liam Waldron, will be crucial in their side’s chances of a preliminary final berth.
Michael Gillard was a dominant ruckman last week and his battle with Billy Morrison will also be viewed with interest.
The Demons would hate to go out in straight sets after going within a whisker of winning last year’s Grand Final, and following a narrow loss last Saturday, their fans will be looking for a bounce-back win.
The likely inclusion of Josh Mazzarella this week would be a big help and could boost a midfield which includes young star Joel Harris and the experienced Brent Marshall.
If Mernda can limit Epping’s midfield game and give plenty of supply to Bryce Kimuliatis and Matthew Bawden, it would increase their chances to redeem themselves from last week’s defeat.
It was back in Round 12 when Epping announced itself as a finals contender with a 45-point win over Mernda at Epping Recreational Reserve. The Blues now have a chance to advance to the penultimate game of the 2024 campaign if they can repeat the dose at Lalor Reserve.
