It was with a mixture of confidence and trepidation that the Norwood faithful gathered on the terraces of Lilydale Sports Oval to watch the final round of EFL action for season 2012, knowing that there was so much to play for. For many weeks our boys have been 'up' for the contest, winning crucial games to protect our position on the ladder and keep the chasing pack at bay. No home and away game in 1st division had ever held so much importance for Norwood, knowing that top spot and a week off leading into the finals was at stake, This game would be tricky, on an usual shaped ground - long and narrow ground where the home side would surely know how to play it well. Liydale had enjoyed a resurgent first year back in 1st Division with 7 wins and would be no pushover. The last time we had played here was a nail-biting draw, we didn't want that drama again.. Could our boys continue their season long form and grab the biggest home and away prize of all?
Early on the anxiety levels were certainly raised, as Lilydale certainly started better. The Norwood forays into attack were rebounded easily and Lilydale controlled play, our boys seeming somewhat lethargic. Two Lilydale goals resulted as we struggled to hit easy targets by foot and turned the ball over - perhaps we had forgotten how to play on a dry fast surface having been stuck in the mud for the last month. About ten minutes in, John Holmes launched himself twice into the fray, putting his body on the line for two monster hard ball gets. This solo effort seemed to energise the team, and the tackling and defensive pressure - particularly in the forward 50, went through the roof. Opportunities came our way and Matt McCormack converted from 30 to break the ice. Soon after Scotty Day snapped from the goalsquare after some bullocking play from Tom "Rhino" Marriott and almost immediately Skayve Johnson slotted one from the boundary 40 metres out and we were looking the better side. Clayts marked and goaled from 25m and by qtr time we had established a 13 point lead. 42 - 2.1.
The 2nd stanza saw us pull away from Lilydale. Day added his 2nd and 3rd, and after a response from Lilydale the floodgates opened briefly with storming goals to Blackie, Brenter and the from the centre clearance a series of quick passes ended up with Ev Johnson whose running shot from 20 split the middle to an enormous roar from the Norwood supporters. During this period the hard running of Brenter and Blackie was complemented perfectly by the in-and-under efforts of Holmes and Maskaant. By half time the scoreboard had a healthy look about it as we led 9.5 - 5.2.
The 3rd quarter saw us dominate everywhere except on the scoreboard as we compiled a wasteful 4.9 to 1.2 for the quarter. Goals to Scotty Day (his 4th) and Hayden Jurey from the boundary, were interspersed with several posters and missed opportunities. Lilydale could make no inroads at the other end however, our defensive structures - led on this occasion by Jesse Newman, were once again stifling any opposition attacks. At 3-4 time the lead was 51pts: 13.13 - 6.4, and all the anguish and anxiety was gone as it was obvious to everyone at the ground that the result of this game was a foregone conclusion.
Coach Tibaldi emphasised to his players at 'orange time' that they must run the game out to finish off Lilydale, noting that all the key stats were well in our favour. Unsurprisingly, despite these urgings, our boys just went through the motions in the last quarter, their minds almost certainly on bigger games to come. As a result, Lilydale bagged three majors in a row, but it mattered little. This was not a challenge, just some consolation goals. We found the goals ourselves a couple of times late on, one of them a glorious running drop-punt from 45m from Zak Carroll, just to emphasise our superiority. Lilydale were gallant, and to their credit never gave up when they could so easily have been beginning to plan their own "Mad Monday" celebrations, but this was yet again Norwood's day. Finals scores were 15.14.104 - 9.6.60.
"Big John" Holmes was the standout player on the day, his tireless efforts at the coalface setting the tone for the rest of the team. Brenter continued in terrific style, he will surely be a short priced favourite for the B&F, while Dave Blackie must have enjoyed being back on the top of the ground where he can showcase his electric pace, accentuated by two classy running goals.. Jesse Newman led the defence and was again ably supported by Matt Decler and the tireless Stuey Hill. Clayts, Ev Johnson, Justin Gould and Scott Day with 4 majors also had handy contributions.
This result is a real landmark in the history of the club. At season's outset I don't think anyone would have reasonably expected us to be minor premiers. Competing for a finals spot - yes, being very hard to beat at home - yes, snagging some useful away wins - yes, but top spot, Minor Premiers, unbeaten 9-0 at home and 6 magnificent away wins.. nooooooo. Yet for the last 6-7 weeks we have been virtually guaranteed a finals spot, and barring a poor last qtr at Vermont in rd13 we have played the most competitive, disciplined and complete footy that any EFL supporter could have imagined possible. So while it comes as a great surprise, it really shouldn't be. The team has done everything right, and they richly deserve their reward, a week off where we hope that Scoresby and Vermont 'brain' one another in a brutal Qualifying Final, and a 2nd semi final spot against the winner of that game. The prize for the winner of the 2nd semi is of course, a berth in the 2012 Grand Final. Heady, dizzying stuff indeed.
In other results the 2nds booked a finals spot with a comprehensive win and the U19s were beaten in a 'dead rubber' by Lilydale, but now have to play them again next week in the QF. So all three sides are in the finals, another feather in the cap of Mark Etherington and the Norwood Football Club. Outstanding stuff.
Just FYI, all the senior finals will be played at Bayswater on Saturdays, while the 2nds will play their Elimination final this Sunday at Boronia. The U19s play at Bayswater in the QF this Saturday.
There will be Norwood jumpers everywhere at the EFL finals venues. Gotta love that.
Gooooooo Wooders.
Last Modified on 13/09/2012 11:09