Newtown & Chilwell players leave the field winners today. Picture: Mitch Bear Source: News Limited
NEWTOWN & Chilwell or St Joseph’s will break premiership droughts dating back to the 1980s when they clash in the GFL grand final at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.
The Eagles ended the brave premiership defence of an undermanned Colac in today’s preliminary final at Simonds Stadium with a convincing 16.14 (110) to 9.15 (69) win.
Colac’s risk to play injured star Kane Leersen backfired early as he went down in the opening minutes with the shoulder injury that he suffered the previous week.
Leersen was taken to hospital and Newtown slammed on six goals to one in the first quarter to blow the game apart.
Colac hit back in the second term as Jake Carmody loomed large with four marks inside-50. But wasteful kicking for goal allowed Newtown to maintain a 24-point lead at the main break.
That was when young Towners forward Timm House took over the contest.
The Eagles’ Paul Hinkley. Source: News Corp Australia
The 19 year-old, who joined the Eagles this season from WAFL club Claremont, booted four goals in the third term, including a couple of towering set shots from outside 50, to put the result beyond doubt.
It will be the Eagles first grand final appearance in 10 years as they attempt to win their first GFL senior premiership since 1989.
They will be boosted by the return of Vic Country representative Dane McFarlane, who missed today’s preliminary final with a hamstring strain.
Newtown captain Rob Condy, who starred in midfield, said McFarlane had trained well during the week, but the club decided to not risk him to ensure he would be right for the grand final should they win through.
Asked if the speedy McFarlane would be right to go next week, Condy replied: “Absolutely”.
Eagles coach David Wojcinski admitted his team had peaked at the right time of year as they continued their run from the elimination final.
“Obviously we are in good form having won three straight finals over some pretty good sides,” the former Geelong premiership player said. “We are doing a lot right at the moment but we know that next week is a huge challenge.”
St Joseph’s are chasing their first GFL senior flag since 1988 and have lost just one game for the year.
“St Joseph’s are obviously the form side and we just have to go and play our best footy this week and give ourselves a real shot at it.”
Last Modified on 21/09/2015 13:39