By NICK GALEA - Under-19s
ONLY three teams remain in the hunt for this seasons Under-19 premiership after the Werribee Districts progressed to the Grand Final after an enthralling contest against the Altona Vikings.
The Tigers were too strong for the Vikings, winning by eight points, 11.7. (73) to 10.5. (65).
In blustery conditions, the Yarraville Seddon Eagles also kept its finals campaign alive with a 28-point win over Hoppers Crossing, despite a massive scare in the third quarter.
The First Semi Final saw Altona start as the better side in the opening term putting Werribee on the back-foot, but they couldn't capitalise on their dominance leading by only eight points.
After twice falling 18-points behind in the second quarter, Werribee's Brandyn Di Sisto's second goal in the opening moments of the third term put them in-front for the first time but Joel Menadue immediately responded for the Vikings regaining the lead.
The lead changed several times for the rest of the quarter.
With scores locked at 65 apiece Joel Russell put Werribee six points up early in the last quarter. For the remainder of the term it was a battle of attrition where neither side gave an inch and displayed pure desperation, but it was Werribee who held on for a brave victory.
Altona's best were Harrison Minett and Ethan Taylor with Joel Menadue slotting four goals. For Werribee, forwards Jessee Pattison and Joel Russell kicked three goals each while Rhys Dodemaide was outstanding.
In what was a do or die match the Yarraville Seddon Eagles began kicking against the wind and trailed early on in the first quarter. Despite this, they were able to lower their eyes and move the ball forward smartly through the corridor booting four goals to Hoppers Crossings two.
The Eagles kicked away extending the margin to 32-points midway through the second quarter, but should've been further ahead after a run of five consecutive behinds. A crucial goal to Kyle Bistisi closed the gap to 26-points giving hope to Hoppers Crossing heading into the main break.
The Warriors came out hard after half-time as they launched a spirited comeback reeling in the margin to nine-points, but the Eagles held their nerve in some tense moments in the final quarter to kick the last three goals to seal the win.
For Hoppers Crossing; Shaun Mckenzie, Hamish Holmes and Haidyn Shade put in four quarter efforts. Yarraville's best were Abdullah El-Hassan, Jonah Pantalleresco and Jake King.
Altona will take on Yarraville this Saturday in the Preliminary Final with the winner versing the Werribee Districts for the ultimate prize.
Last Modified on 04/09/2017 15:26