Melbourne Uni and Deer Park will do battle for a spot in the 2016 Grand Final, in this week’s VWFL Premier Division Preliminary Final. James Szabo reports.
Deer Park go into the cut-throat clash on a high after defeating Port Melbourne by 22 points in their elimination final last week, while Melbourne Uni need to pick themselves up after suffering a two-goal loss to flag favourites Bendigo in last week’s Semi Final.
Melbourne Uni earned their spot in the finals, along with a second chance, after producing a solid record of nine wins and six losses to finish second on the ladder.
The side went into the Semi Final as underdogs, with the game playing out as expected.
Bendigo dominated the game for three quarters, before Melbourne Uni stepped up the pressure in the last and kept their opposition goalless to end the game with a positive.
Melbourne Uni were also happy with some individual performances, which help the side come into the Prelim with confidence.
Isabel Huntington, Ruby Grounds, Leah Caluzzi, Amy Arundel, Ashley Bye and Sian Wilson were the best for Melbourne Uni, and will be expected to back up their impressive displays this week, despite the loss of Huntington to injury.
Deer Park however, produced an inspired comeback against Port Melbourne to keep their flag hopes alive.
The Lions found themselves trailing at half time against Port Melbourne, before kicking five goals in the third quarter and setting themselves up for a memorable win.
Victoria Pettit, Belinda Hateley, Amy Catterall, Samantha Radlof, Brodie Stevens and Teresa Cassarwere put in impressive efforts in Sunday’s win, while Catterall contributed again with four goals and Emily Paterno kicked two of her own.
Melbourne Uni will go into this game as slight favourites, after beating Deer Park twice throughout the season and finishing two places above them on the ladder.
The clash could most certainly be a tight contest however, with Deer Park knowing they are capable of beating the opposition if they play at their best. The Lions recorded a massive 41-point win against Melbroune Uni in round 12, and will be hoping for a similar result this weekend.
The winner will meet Bendigo in the 2016 VWFL Premier Division Grand Final the following week.
The Preliminary Final starts from 1.00pm this Sunday, September 11 at Highgate Recreation Reserve.
Photo: Russ Canham
Last Modified on 09/09/2016 00:06