By WILL ZWAR - Division 3 Seniors
PARKSIDE will take on Newport in the Division 3 Senior Grand Final, after defeating Tarneit in the preliminary final at the weekend.
A six goal opening term saw the Magpies leading the Titans by 24-points.
The game slowed in tempo as both teams could manage just one goal apiece in the second term, with 11-behinds scored from the term in total.
Parkside flew further ahead in the third term, as they added four goals to their tally as they held onto a comfortable 49-point lead heading into the final change.
With the game wrapped up, Tarneit fought gallantly with six goals in the last quarter, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap, with Parkside securing a win and advanced to the final match of the season.
Matthew Shepperbottom, who has been in great form this season, led the charge for the Magpies with five majors, while Joseph Jamieson and Jeremy Chenn were named among the best on ground.
The win now sets up an interesting match between the two best sides of the competition on Saturday.
For Newport, it’ll be history in the making regardless of whether or not they win on Saturday, as they made it to their first Grand Final in their inaugural season of the senior competition.
For Parkside, they get a chance to avenge their loss from 2015, which saw them lose to Albanvale by 35-points.
Looking at their seasons and current form, Parkside would appear as favourites, having the best overall form in the competition, despite their loss two weeks ago.
However the games between the Power and the Magpies have showed a much closer playing field.
The Second Semi Final two weeks ago was decided by a single point, in what was an intense and scrappy affair.
Newport managed to hold on, however earlier in the seasons, both teams took advantage of various drubbings.
The first clash between the Grand Finalists was back in Round 3, when Newport scored an emphatic 98-point victory.
Parkside never seemed to be in the match, with the Power, led by coach Mark Williams, dominated possession all over the ground.
However the Magpies had their time to fly in Round 12, as they ran out 56-point winners following a strong first-half.
As we turn our attention to the Grand Final, Newport will have fresh legs after earning the previous weekend off.
However the heartbreak of Parkside’s Grand Final loss last season and their loss two weekends ago will give the team from Merv Hughes Oval an edge.
Whoever can hold back the nerves and keep calm under pressure in the opening stages of the match will play a big part in who will be holding the premiership cup at the end of the game.
Last Modified on 29/08/2016 13:14