ABERFELDIE, remarkably, is into its fifth successive Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division Grand Final.
Against fierce rival and fellow EDFL powerhouse, Greenvale, Abers managed to stay ahead of the Jets at Windy Hill in Saturday’s second semi to advance to the September 16 decider.
In a game that thrilled the Windy Hill crowd, it was Greenvale who had the better of the first half, going into the main break three points ahead off the back of three goals from Reynolds Medal fancy, Addam Maric.
It stayed even through the third quarter as Maric and Kyle Reimers did the damage inside each respective 50.
By three-quarter time the margin remained within a kick, but Aberfeldie slowly wrested control away from the Jets in the final term.
With injury clouds now hanging over both Fabian Deluca and Courtenay Dempsey, Aberfeldie was able to run away with a nine-point win that could have been larger if not for some last-quarter inaccuracy in front of goal.
Only four Jets finished on the scoresheet while Abers had the better spread with eight individual goal kickers.
Greenvale now hosts Maribyrnong Park in this Saturday’s Preliminary Final at Coburg City Oval.
GREENVALE 12.5-77
Goal Kickers: A. Maric 4, J. Thompson 4, F. Caruso 2, K. Sanajko 2
Best Players: S. Zumbo, D. Burns, A. Maric, M. Stillman, N. Caruso, K. Sanajko
ABERFELDIE 12.14-86
Goal Kickers: K. Reimers 3, J. Pound 2, J. Foster 2, W. Berry, J. Cubillo, L. Blackwell, J. Barrett, N. Cattapan
Best Players: J. Cubillo, S. Cattapan, J. Toy, L. Blackwell, J. Rush, N. Cattapan
