RESERVOIR bounced back from a horror second semi-final loss to comfortably account for South Morang in the Division 3 preliminary final at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Like their previous clash in the final round of the regular season, when they led six goals to nil at the first break, the Mustangs got off to an absolute flier. They led 7.4 (46) to 0.2 (2) at quarter time.
That early lead proved decisive as the Mustangs went on to win 18.11 (119) to 12.11 (83) to advance to the Division 3 Grand Final against Thomastown.
Although the Lions made a couple of runs at the physically stronger Mustangs, including four goals in a row in the third term, they never drew close enough to seriously threaten.
Jake Potter and Matthew Campbell both played for the Lions, despite earlier being named as omissions.
For most of the afternoon, the pressure that Reservoir applied made it difficult for the Lions to move the ball smoothly into attack.
And South Morang was often punished when they turned it over. On many occasions the Reservoir midfield, led by Danny O’Sullivan and the efficient Liam Ryan, combined well to create forward 50 entries.
Mustang coach Ross Terranova would have liked Richard Collins’ tagging job on South Morang forward Ashley Hobbs.
Similarly, Michael Szikla closely followed Reservoir’s Daniel Couwenberg. Couwenberg had been a standout in their round 15 clash.
While hard nut Mitch Buckley was the best midfielder for the Lions, Nick Johnston was named their best in both finals – with great speed and some good marks across the half forward line.
Joel Goodyear played on him for most of the afternoon and was effective whenever he gained possession.
And, apart from a brief period after half time when the Lions came from 49-points down, they were not able to find targets inside the corridor when attacking. Their second half fight-back came as defenders Jake Potter and Brent Howlett were moved into the midfield.
Although the game always looked safe for the Mustangs, the Lions booted the first goal of the final term through Matthew Campbell from the goal square – courtesy of a 50 metre penalty.
The Lions had clawed the lead back to a manageable 23 points with plenty of time left on the clock.
But Reservoir went forward from the next centre bounce for Leigh Sullivan to take a big pack mark. Soon after he slotted the goal from close in, David McGregor had another with a nice snap.
Toby O’Meara – who was the best forward option for Reservoir on the day – then grabbed a one-handed mark under pressure. His resultant goal gave the Mustangs an unassailable 41-point lead.
“It’s a credit to the club to have both teams in the Grand final,” Reservoir assistant coach Leon Edwards said. “We set ourselves in the third year (under head coach Ross Terranova) to get the right personnel into the team. And we’ve now given ourselves a chance.”
“Reservoir came out with purpose and was able to sustain the pressure for long periods of time,” South Morang coach Craig Lambert said. “We struggled to handle that pressure and wrestle back the momentum.”
Speaking about the year as a whole, Lambert said, “I was happy with the effort from the boys. We were the third best team and it showed in the finals series.”
It wasn’t all bad news for the Lions. Their reserves team won through to the Grand Final after coming via the first semi-final and winning both finals games easily.
Reservoir has now won the right to play Thomastown in the senior Grand Final at the same venue next Saturday, with the Bears holding a 3-1 record in head-to-head battles this year.
Final scores: Reservoir 18.11 (119) def South Morang 12.11 (83)
