JACANA 1.1-7 def. by COBURG DISTRICTS 20.13-133
STRATHMORE Community Bank Division 2’s front-runners had opposing ideas on how to go about Saturday’s home-and-away finale.
Almost all of Jacana's most experienced players, who have played each week to get them into a top two spot, were rested.
With the regulars freshening up for finals, Jacana was not one bit competitive and will be hoping it pays off this coming weekend against the Lions at Coburg City Oval.
On the other hand, Coburg Districts went out with a full strength side and dominated all day.
They had an entirely different approach and wanted to continue their great form and after a 126-point win, confidence and team morale will be high.
Only time will tell whose tactical decisions were deemed a better fit, making the anticipation for the second semi this Saturday week even greater.
BURNSIDE HEIGHTS 10.5-65 def. by EAST SUNBURY 12.14-86
With the EDFL broadcast van showing up at Tenterfield Drive for the first time ever, a thriller was promised and a great game was delivered.
A windy afternoon had both times piling on big scores at one end and using the wind to their advantage.
With dominant first and third quarters by the Bears using the wind to their advantage, the fitness and pace of the Thunder always seemed to answer with bursts of their own, always managing to stay ahead.
These scoring runs came off the back of Josh Covelli for the home side, whose prowess up forward gave Burnside Heights a lot to cheer about and some highlights to end the season.
Coming off 54 goals for Moonee Valley last season, Covelli lifted not only his own standards, but the Bears’.
He improved to a huge total of 84 this year and improved the club’s standard of play massively.
The Thunder, however, with shared goal kickers and the classiness for Luke Shaw, stole the show and finished the season positively.
MOONEE VALLEY 22.17-149 def. ROXBURGH PARK 6.6-42
The battle of the black and white always involves big crowds, big hits and big bags of goals and this was no different.
A few new inclusions into Roxburgh Park's side made for some highlights and provides some promise for the future.
In their last game of what was a tough season, the Magpies did step up at times, but the form and overall hunger to keep rolling into finals by the Fog was too much too handle.
Players all over the ground had good games for Moonee Valley and they have built in recent weeks, showing they are in form ahead of an Elimination Final against the Northern Saints at Hadfield on Sunday.
The epitome of Moonee Valley's rise each week shone through Jacob Adkins, whose forward pressure is a real asset – finishing with five goals.
With 11 different goal kickers, the Fog demolished the Magpies by 107 points in front of a boisterous crowd down at Ormond Park that will only get louder as their beloved Moonee Valley embark on yet another finals campaign.
NORTHERN SAINTS 31.17-203 def. KEILOR PARK 5.5-35
Possibly bitter and with fire in the belly coming off a loss, the Saints took it out on the Devils.
At times there was some positivity around Keilor Park during the year, however this last game of the season was one to forget.
Errol Salih's effort and intensity for Keilor Park was strong all day but needed to be matched by more of his team mates.
It was an almost impossible deficit to come back from and a great start by the Saints.
Seven goals to one in the first term had them in the box seat and not a backwards step was taken thereafter.
Shared goal kickers, defensive walls working well and a positive vibe resulted in a 168-point win.
