By RHYS WOOSNAM - Division 3 Seniors
THE first weekend of the 2017 finals series saw two contrasting matches, both with massive impacts to the premiership race.
We are down to just three teams and one has locked in their chance at ultimate glory. Parkside put together a complete performance to grant themselves a week off and be in the box seat for this year’s flag.
The win over Wyndham Suns was dominant and representative of their season. After a tight first half where they held a three point lead, it was all Parkside thereafter.
Eleven goals to four after the main break showed why this side lost just two games in the regular season and have been the measuring stick from the get go. Their attacking prowess highlighted by nine individual goalkickers and a lesser addition by spearhead Jason Cloke.
Although five goals is still an excellent contribution, based on his 2017 form, it was a restrained performance. Thomas Deutschbein was best on for Parkside, supported by great games from Brent Kelly and Luke Buttigieg.
Parkside now have the luxury of watching their competition beat each other from pillar to post in a sudden death preliminary final this weekend.
Wyndham will be one of those teams and they will need to improve on their endurance and gut running through the midfield. They will be hoping that opponents Tarneit are fatigued after their thrilling victory against Sunshine Heights.
It was one of the matches of the year and set the perfect standard for finals footy.
On Sunday afternoon, in less than stellar conditions, Tarneit and Sunshine Heights had a battle for the ages. The margin didn’t exceed more than two goals all game, but ultimately Tarneit stood tall.
They held a nine point lead going into the final quarter and held off a fast finishing Sunshine Heights. The final gap was just three points. A heartbreaking exit for the Dragons who will be left wondering what if.
One more goal here or there could have seen them facing off for a spot in the premiership decider. Such is the ecstasy and agony of finals football.
MAGPIES HOLD-OFF FAST FINISHING TITANS
By BEN CALDWELL - Division 3 Reserves
THE first round of finals of the Division 3 Reserves has passed us by and both games went as expected, with the Suns knocking out Sunshine Heights and Parkside advancing straight to the Grand Final.
At the neutral ground at Dempster Park, premiership favourites Parkside closed out a last quarter surge from Tarneit to secure a week off and a place in September.
The Magpies held control from early on, but were plagued with inefficient goalkicking, finishing with seven goals and 18 behinds. Both teams looked even around contests, but Parkside’s forwards were more composed and organised going forward.
The season’s leading goal kicker, Matthew Radziejewski, was immense yet again, commanding his teammates around the forward line and bullying opponents with his size and muscle.
The Titans looked threatening in the final quarter, but struggled to get effective ball usage going forward.
Tarneit’s defence should stand tall despite the loss however, as keeping a team like Parkside to just 60 points for the game is an accomplishment, particularly given their recent form and attacking firepower.
The Wyndham Suns came away the victors on the Sunday, knocking Sunshine Heights out of finals contention with a comfortable six goal win.
A rematch of the previous week, the Suns won convincingly yet again, leading at every break to put away the Dragons.
Dillon Hinge kicked four for the victors, backing up a stellar performance from last week and a strong season amongst his team’s bests.
The semi-final win was expected for Wyndham, who have proven to be in the upper echelon of the competition, but was nonetheless vital for them to continue their chances for the premiership.
Preliminary finals in football are often closer games than the grand final, and next week’s game will see Tarneit take on Wyndham on Sunday. The two sides met just twice this season, with one win going each way.
Their last game, in round 13 at Wootten Road saw the Suns steal a big 60-point upset, so all eyes will be on the decider on Sunday.
Last Modified on 28/08/2017 14:47