A huge preliminary final is in store this Saturday at Epping Recreation Reserve as the minor premiers in Eltham take on this season’s bolters in Diamond Creek for a spot in next week’s MC Labour Division 2 grand final.
Eltham
Ladder: 1st (17-1-0; 222.34%)
Leading goalkicker: Daniel Owens (56 goals)
Most times in best: Daniel Horsefield (10), Ben Montanaro (8), Daniel Owen (7)
Diamond Creek
Ladder: 4th (13-5-0; 167.83%)
Leading goalkicker: Sage Dicello & Jai Norman (35 goals)
Most times in best: Matthew Lewis (11), Jai Norman (11), Tyler Barnes (10)
Not many pundits would have expected the Panthers to be playing in a preliminary final after their incredible home and away season. But after going down in last week’s second semi-final to Banyule, their first loss since April, the Panthers will now have to regroup in order to avoid a straight sets exit.
Their young brigade continues to have a major impact on Eltham’s performances this year but they will want to ensure they step up again after having unusually quieter days out in last Saturday’s defeat.
Some of Eltham’s best last week included the likes of veteran’s Joshua Merkel, who kicked three majors, and Anton Woods who stood out in the midfield throughout the afternoon. Harvey Furlong also shone, kicking a brilliant goal from inside the centre square to attempt to provide a spark for his side, while Luke Sirianni had one of his better games in red and black.
Big performances again from those players could prove to be the difference in the preliminary final.
The Creekers are full of confidence following their impressive victory over Lower Plenty last week and will look to cause another upset on Saturday to book their first grand final appearance in five years.
Jai Norman and Ryan Pingree will continue to be the focal points up forward, with Pingree especially continuing his strong run of form, kicking 14 goals in his last four games.
Matthew Lewis is also someone who has produced some brilliant football of late, he has a proven record against the better sides of the competition, being named in the best in his last four games against top five teams in 2022.
While there has been some individual brilliance illustrated at times, it’s been Diamond Creek’s ability to have all 22 members of the side play as one unit that has catapulted Andrew Tranquilli’s men into premiership contention.
These two sides last played in Round 13 this year. At the time, it was a top of the table clash, with a five goal to one first term setting up the 14-point victory for Eltham.
It will be their first meeting in a final in 22 years. Both teams played off in the 2000 Division 2 elimination final where the Panthers would prevail by 16 points on their way to claiming the premiership.
With a spot in the decider on the line against Banyule, expect a ferocious and high quality preliminary final.
