By PEPPE CAVALIERI – Division 1 Seniors
DEER Park once again proved it had another gear with the arrival of finals, dispatching Sunshine in the Division 1 Second Semi Final.
The Lions dispelled any pre-match doubts they were vulnerable to the Kangaroos, reversing a 52-point, round-18 loss to produce a 77-point result in their own favour.
In doing so, Deer Park earned itself a place in the Grand Final and another week of rest, as the likely possibility of a fifth-straight flag looms.
The Lions physically intimated their opposition before the bounce and throughout the match, absorbing an opening punch from Sunshine that produced the first goal.
But from that point on, Deer Park proceeded on a procession, leading by 30-points at the first change.
Jase Perkins provided a tall target inside 50 for the Lions, and finished with six goals, while the competition's leading goal-kicker James Condos' entertainment value didn't disappoint, kicking four of his own and getting in the face of his opponents.
Kwame McHarg looked dangerous as well with three majors, as did small forwards Mark Galea and Kevin Klix.
Shannon Byrnes showed his class, while the run of Jack Purton-Smith and Jake McKenzie proved important.
The Roos were well led by ruckman Jesse McInneny and key defender Liam Cavanagh, while Jesse Hemmens imposed himself and youngster Lachie Smart provided plenty on a down day.
But, Sunshine will have another chance, facing Hoppers Crossing in the Preliminary Final.
The Warriors broke away from Spotswood in the final term of Sunday's cut-throat Semi Final at Burbank Oval, sending the Woodsmen out of the finals in straight sets.
In a tight tussle in tricky conditions in Williamstown, just nine points separated the two sides at three-quarter-time, but Hoppers Crossing slammed home eight final-quarter majors to shut the gate on Spotswood and win by 40-points.
The preliminary final will also be at Burbank Oval, a venue the Warriors have played at the past two weeks. A win will give them a chance to earn redemption for last year's grand final defeat.
FIVE GOAL LAST QUARTER SEALS ALTONA VICTORY
By CONNOR PAIN – Division 1 Reserves
Five goals in the last quarter helped Altona get over the line against Hoppers Crossing, seeing them book their place in the Grand Final with an 11.8. (78) to 4.14. (38) win.
The game was tight early as the blustery conditions hindered both sides when on the ball.
Hoppers Crossing led early as they had all of the attacking opportunities, recording nine scoring shots to one in the first quarter, but led by just three points at the first break.
The Vikings hit back in the second quarter with a balanced attack and defence. They booted four goals and held the Warriors to just one major, going into the main break up by 14-points.
Hoppers Crossing reduced the Altona lead in the third term, but more behinds (four in the quarter) kept them from regaining the lead.
The margin entering the final quarter was just four points, as both sides were capable of winning.
A five goal to zero final term ended Hoppers Crossing’s chances as Altona ran riot. Each forward-50 entry by the Vikings looked dangerous as they showed why they finished the regular season on top of the ladder in the 36-point victory.
Sunshine will battle Hoppers Crossing for the second time in three weeks after it cruised to a 24-point win against Deer Park on the back of a six goal to zero third term.
On another windy day that affected both sides going forward, the Lions looked the goods early as they stifled the Kangaroos ball movement and led by seven-points at half-time.
Deer Park could have led by more at the main break as much of the play was in their forward half of the ground in the second quarter, however they were unable to convert their possession dominance into scoreboard pressure, which would come back to haunt them shortly after the restart.
Three Sunshine goals in the first four minutes of the third term opened the game up for the Kangaroos as their class was on show. They also held the Lions to just one behind in the quarter as Deer Park had no answers.
Deer Park reduced the margin in the fourth quarter, but the damage had been done, as Sunshine ran out 10.8. (68) to 6.6. (42) winners, setting up a juicy preliminary final with a spot in the Grand Final up for grabs.
Last Modified on 04/09/2017 13:41