Four teams remain in MC Labour Division 2 as the race towards premiership glory ramps up this weekend.
Second Semi-Final: Eltham vs Banyule
Eltham
Ladder: 1st (17-1-0; 222.34%)
Leading goalkicker: Daniel Owen (56 goals)
Most times in best: Daniel Horsfield (10), Ben Montanaro (8), Daniel Owen (7)
Banyule
Ladder: 2nd (15-3-0; 168.29%)
Leading goalkicker: Jack Langford (59 goals)
Most times in best: Riley Loton (12), Jack Langford (11), Daniel Kelly (8)
Some have deemed this match up to be the two teams that will face off in the grand final in a fortnight’s time, so it will be fascinating to see what the top two sides in the competition have in store ahead of Saturday’s semi-final.
The Panthers have been incredibly dominant this season. With only one defeat so far in the 2022 campaign, Eltham have not looked like losing in the last few months and are unsurprisingly the warm favourites in this clash.
Despite losing some experienced heads in the pre-season, the reliance on young stars to carry the load has paid dividends.
19-year-old Daniel Owen has been outstanding, kicking 56 majors and at least one goal in every game this season while 22-year-old Daniel Horsfield has shone in midfield, playing some big roles in his side’s victories this season. Finnbar Maley (19 years old), David Evans (20 years old) and Declan Ayres (19 years old) are also some of the names that are continuing to impress for Robert Hyde’s side.
The biggest challenge Eltham have had in recent months has been the Banyule side they face on Saturday. The Bears got within six points of the Panthers in their Round 15 clash at Beverley Road Oval but fell short of making a massive comeback.
Still, Banyule have staked a strong claim as the second-best team in the competition after their victory over Lower Plenty in last week’s qualifying final.
But it’ll need to be more of complete performance against the minor premiers this time around as despite leading by eight goals at half time, last week’s triumph almost wasn’t to be thanks to a spirited fight back from Lower Plenty.
It will be an occurrence they can not afford to let happen against a strong Eltham team.
A difference maker will be their star ruck Tim Martin, with the big man having given his side first use out of the middle consistently throughout the season. If they are to get on top, Martin will need to have a big say in the contest.
He has done it before against the Panthers, putting in an almost best on ground effort in that Round 15 clash and proving to be tough to handle at all areas of the ground.
Having proven to be able to find the goals this season, James Kayrooz and Jack Langford will need to have their kicking boots on again this weekend, both booted three against Lower Plenty last Saturday.
Whoever prevails this weekend will have an important advantage ahead of the decider in a fortnight’s time and with both team’s capable of producing big performances, expect a scintillating contest on Saturday.
First Semi-Final: Lower Plenty vs Diamond Creek
Lower Plenty
Ladder: 3rd (12-4-2; 180.54%)
Leading goalkicker: Tom Keys (39 goals)
Most times in best: Darcy Barden (10), Ciaran Porter (9), Tom Keys (8)
Diamond Creek
Ladder: 4th (13-5-0; 167.83%)
Leading goalkicker: Jai Norman (34 goals)
Most times in best: Jai Norman (11), Matthew Lewis (10), Tyler Barnes (9)
Two teams that have been fighting for a top three spot all season will meet again at Epping on Sunday to decide who will keep their premiership hopes alive.
The Bears have defeated the Creekers in both meetings this season and after almost completing a miracle comeback against Banyule last week, the momentum will be well and truly with Phil Plunkett’s side.
All eyes will again be on Tom Keys who played a massive role in getting his side back into last week’s qualifying final. Keys has been that spark for the Bears throughout the 2022 campaign with his ability to turn a game whether its playing in the midfield, being a focal point up forward or even pinch hitting in the ruck.
The other player who continues to have an incredible impact on many contests this season is Darcy Barden. Barden has been the general down back, with his intercept marking and ability to break the game open some of his many talented traits. He’s also shown his versatility this season having gone forward and kicked goals when called upon, a role he is all too familiar with in years gone by.
Having made it to a semi-final after falling short of playing finals in recent seasons, Andrew Tranquilli’s men will be eager to continue their run in 2022.
Jai Norman will undoubtedly be the focal point for Creekers on Sunday. Although he only kicked the one major against Thomastown last week and was kept goalless last time the Creekers faced Lower Plenty, Norman can be a dangerous forward when things are going his way.
The return of Ryan Pingree will also be beneficial for Diamond Creek. Trailing by 10 points early in the final term last week, he kicked a major that would spark a five-goal run from the Creekers to eventually win by 22 points.
Sage Dicello and Tyler Barnes continue to deliver for the Creekers while Matthew Lewis has had a brilliant couple of games against top five sides.
It’s set up to be a huge semi-final on Sunday with that preliminary final spot on the line.
