We’re set to be treated to two terrific battles in the first week of the 2024 MC Labour Division 2 finals series at Epping Recreational Reserve.
Diamond Creek will be aiming for a 10th consecutive triumph and a spot in the second semi-final when they meet South Morang in Saturday’s qualifying final.
The Creekers were in similarly strong form ahead of the 2023 finals campaign, as they entered the first final on a 13-game winning run before losing two of their three finals games, including the decider.
This time around, off the back of another terrific home and away season, Andrew Tranquilli’s men will be determined to make amends for their shortcomings 12 months ago.
Ruckman Nicholas Barro has complimented his side’s terrific patch of form lately, having been named in his side’s best in five of his previous six games. With his trademark ability to regularly give his side first use out of the middle in addition to his work rate around the ground is set for an intriguing ruck battle with Nathan Stefanile should the Lions big man return to the team.
Diamond Creek have also seen multiple star contributors that have helped the team get to their current scenario, with Tyler Barnes, Matthew Lewis and Ben Major all outstanding during the last month.
Lewis in particular has been one of the pivotal Creekers defenders that has helped the side be the best defensive team in the competition once again.
Having conceded 10 goals or more to an opposition side just once since Round 10, more of the same will be required if they are to limit the best scoring team of the year in South Morang, from producing a winning score.
Following their taste of Division 2 finals last season, the Lions will have taken a lot of learnings from their experience and fancy themselves as a genuine premiership contender in 2024.
They have been spearheaded by captain Tye Hall, who has been exceptional in both the midfield and up forward, having been named in his side’s best in 14 of 17 matches while kicking 22 goals in the same time period.
He missed in his side’s 43-point loss to the Creekers last week, but should he return, expect him to have a major say in this contest.
Another intriguing layer to this final is the likely inclusions of Coburg VFL listed stars Joshua D’Intinosante and Deacon Kalpakis. D’Intinosante has booted 14 majors in just three Lions appearances in 2024, while Kalpakis would be playing his first game since Round 4 after a stellar season with Coburg.
Their additions will make Gary Hall’s men a much stronger side, and one that’s capable of toppling Diamond Creek.
Whilst these two teams produced a lacklustre Round 18 clash, expect all cards to be put on the table in Saturday’s huge final.
It’s win or go home in Sunday’s elimination final, as Lower Plenty and Thomastown meet in what looks to be an entertaining contest.
This match up would have been predicted by few people at the beginning of the season, yet both sides have produced remarkable turnarounds to earn a chance at a semi-final berth.
Lower had managed to survive Division 2 by four points only 12 months ago, but their young brigade has showcased high levels of improvement this year, and their 103-point triumph over Panton Hill last week to lock in a top five finish, proves that they mean business in the post-season.
Captain Jordan Sacco continues to have a major influence on his side’s terrific campaign, having been named in his side’s best in 11 of his 17 games in 2024.
The same can be said for ruck Patrick Flynn, as the veteran stands out to give his side first use on almost every occasion. He has also been a handy goalkicker, having booted 14 majors this year, the most he has kicked in a season since 2018.
But whilst their experienced heads have been excellent, it’s the younger stars that have catapulted Travis Stephens’ side into the finals, with Jasper Collins (21 years old), Joel Leslie (20) and Jed Wallace (19) some of the names that have put together solid campaigns.
Their first task in this finals series is to stop a Thomastown outfit who are riding an incredible wave of momentum, having booked their spot in Sunday’s clash after winning their final three games of the regular season, including a remarkable come from behind win over St Mary’s last Saturday that saw them sneak into fifth spot by just 0.59%.
James Lucente has been an excellent recruit for the Bears since coming across from Watsonia, kicking 42 goals in 2024, including seven in his previous three games, to play a role in the club’s return to the post-season.
It hasn’t just been Lucente that has provided the scores for Thomastown, with Nick Jolly (20), Kyle Green (19), Youseph Dib (18) and Michael Le Tang (15) all kicking 15 or more goals this season.
Dib particularly has been a point of difference for David Folino and Sashe Spiroski’s men this year, and comes into this final off some scintillating form, being named in his side’s best in 14 straight games, while kicking multiple majors in three of his last five matches.
If he gets on top in the middle alongside the likes of Lawrence Lo Piccolo and ruck Jarryd Coulson, Thomastown will have the best chance of winning their first Division 2 final since 2008.
