NEWTOWN & Chilwell will play off against Bell Park for a second consecutive year in this Sunday's first semi-final.
Eagles Coach Jacob Spolding watched on as his side celebrated its first finals win in two years, defeating Lara 15.9 (99) to 12.18 (90). But the victory came at a cost with former AFL player Cain Ackland leaving the ground mid-way through the third term with an achilles tendon injury that casts doubt on his season.
Though scores were level at the main break, Newtown & Chilwell fought hard against the wind, controlling possession in a 30-minute period which would see seven lead changes.
"I thought we did play a really good first half to be honest," Spolding said.
"Going into the second-half level, they had more scoring shots than us and you probably could say that they kicked themselves out of the next week.
"But I thought we were always going to keep in front of the game after the way our boys were able to play in that second quarter."
Former North Melbourne player Justin Perkins kicked three of his four goals for the day prior to half-time, while also setting up two to Jai Sheahan in a clear best-on-ground performance.
"He has been fantastic for this footy club and he will continue to be, that's the type of footy he can play and we know he is capable of what he did today," Spolding said.
Spolding said Ackland was in doubt for next week.
"I think at this stage it's a partial tear of his achilles," Spolding said.
"I'm not 100 per cent sure, hopefully we'll find out more in the next 24 hours. I don't think he'll be playing next week."
As Mick Stanley and forward Sheahan shared the ruck duties for the rest of the match after Ackland went down, the Eagles welcomed the absence of the strong breeze in the final term, allowing reserve players Jackson Kelly and Tom Veale to seal the deal with two snapshot goals.
After kicking seven goals last week closing in on the century, Lara forward Shaydon Bloomfield kicked only three early majors due to a heavy tag by defender Luke Kermond.
Last Modified on 20/11/2013 20:32