MARIBYRNONG Park marked its return to finals with a very impressive 27-point win over Strathmore on Sunday.
The Lions were in their first Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division final since going down to Greenvale in the 2012 Prelim, while Strathmore was back for the first time since their 2014 Grand Final triumph over Aberfeldie.
Perhaps some jitters were in play early, as it was the Mores who bounced out of the blocks to establish an 11-point buffer at quarter time.
Matt Little looked good early with two goals while Adam Iacobucci marked his return from an ankle complaint with a first-quarter goal of his own.
However, Marby clicked into gear in the second, with Omar Saad and Panayioti Kokkinakis both snaring two majors each to help the Lions get to a handy 14-point half time lead.
Scoring tightened up after the main break with both sides only exchanging two goals each in the third.
First blood was vital in the last quarter and at the seven-minute mark it was Marby who struck first through Saad, before Connor Maher quickly followed up to establish a 21-point lead.
But both Iacobucci and Little hit back for Strathmore to liven up the contest at Windy Hill.
As time-on approached Marby steadied with three crucial goals, and in the end managed to hold on to advance to this Saturday’s Prelim against Greenvale at Coburg City Oval.
MARIBYRNONG PARK 14.16-100
Goal Kickers: O. Saad 3, R. Castello 2, P. Kokkinakis 2, J. Cornell 2, J. Morano 2, Z. Keogh, W. Martiniello, J. Breust
Best Players: J. Breust, J. McKenzie, S. O''Brien, C. Vearing, J. O''Brien, O. Saad
STRATHMORE 10.13-73
Goal Kickers: M. Little 4, A. Grima 3, A. Iacobucci 2, J. Cachia
Best Players: M. Little, M. Firrito, J. Cachia, A. Horne, H. McIntosh, S. O'Loughlin
