By WILL ZWAR - Division 2 Seniors
NORTH Footscray have bounced back from their Qualifying final loss to advance into the Division 2 Grand Final after defeating Manor Lakes in Saturday’s Preliminary Final.
A tale of two ends, as has rarely been the case in 2017, saw 23 goals kicked to one end, while just two majors kicked at the other.
North Footcray burst out of the blocks, taking full advantage of the scoring end to pile on five goals from 12 scoring shots in the first term, while keeping Manor Lakes scoreless.
However, Manor Lakes refused to go down without a fight, as they reduced the 37-point quarter time margin to just 11 at the main change thanks to five goals of their own.
A second scoreless term proved critical for the Storm however, as the North kicked eight goals in a display of brute force, as they again jumped out to a 61-point lead before the final change.
Manor Lakes fought back in the final term, cutting the margin to 31-points, but their comeback was short lived, with the Devils ending the Storm’s season.
Jason Butty was the main target up forward, kicking five goals for North Footscray, while Tyrone Montebruno kicked two goals.
Jonathan Miller and Brody Vorano also kicked two goals and were among the best for North Footscray, while Brad McNicol put in a handy performance.
Jackson Lesko kicked three goals for the Storm. Michael Hart and Connor Lachlan Yeoell were also among the best for Manor Lakes.
This weekend sees the best two teams go head-to-head for the premiership, the Yarraville Seddon Eagles and North Footscray.
The two top teams have played each other four times this season, with the Eagles holding onto a 3-1 advantage over North Footscray.
Reece Duffield has been the best player in those clashes for North Footscray, and will be a key player if they are to win the premiership.
The dynamic duo on of Tyrone Montebruno and Jason Butty will also need to fire.
For Yarraville, their glory may rest on the performance of Jack Hargreaves, MacAuley Goring and Lachlan Longmire.
DEVILS SHAKE OFF THE STORM TO WIN GRAND FINAL SPOT
By KASUN ILLANKOON - Division 2 Reserves
NORTH Footscray has set a Grand Final date with defending champions the Yarraville Seddon Eagles after winning its Preliminary Final clash with Manor Lakes.
The Devils have advanced through to the Division 2 Reserves Grand Final after battling out a seesawing game against the Storm, which eventually saw the Devils win by seven points on Saturday at Wyndhamvale Reserve.
The final score, North Footscray 5.11. (41) to Manor Lakes 5.4. (34).
Matthew Walsh once again starred for the Devils, he kicked three goals in the seven-point win.
The Devils had a disappointing first quarter, having conceded 14-points without scoring a point of their own.
Momentum changed in the second term, with the Devils scoring three goals and the Storm failing to get any score on the board.
In the third term, the Storm came out firing and controlled most of the possession of the quarter.
They kicked three goals, one behind to North Footscray’s solitary behind.
With score reading 5.3. (33) to 3.4. (22), the Storm looked headed for a Grand Final berth.
Manor Lakes narrowly defeated Newport Power in the first week of finals and were showing their resilience in this game.
However, in the final quarter the Devils proved their worth, outscoring Manor Lakes to win the match and a spot in Sunday’s Grand Final.
Alex Kater was North Footscray’s best, while Brandon Donald also performed well for the Storm.
The Devils are now set to take on the Yarraville Seddon Eagles in the Division 2 Reserves Grand Final on Sunday at Burbank Oval.
Last Modified on 04/09/2017 16:25