COBURG DISTRICTS 9.7-61 def. JACANA 7.9-51 - Details
EDFL onlookers have waited all season for this finals clash and the two powerhouses of Strathmore Community Bank Division 2 didn’t disappoint.
The Lions came out of the blocks firing, continuing their home-and-away form with a real commanding three-goal-to-one first quarter.
It wasn’t looking good for Jacana as the second quarter began.
Already behind, the Jags lost their two biggest leaders in Cam Cloke (back) and skipper Mick Evans (shoulder).
Also going down was Rhys Evans, who tore his hamstring and needed to be stretchered off the ground.
But the remaining 19 Jags out on the ground lifted and never gave in.
A driven and proud purple and gold outfit wanted to lift for their wounded.
These qualities shone through great ball movement of Eddie Edis and the emerging presence up forward of Corey McCawley, finishing with three majors.
These lifts, however, weren't enough to stop the consistency Coburg Districts have all around the ground
Through the height advantage around the ground and two goals from Luke Vesnaver and effort all day from Ricky McGill, the Lions’ class was too much in the end for the depleted Jags.
Both these performances lifted the blue and white around the ground and Coburg Districts hung on by 10 points at a packed Coburg City Oval, now headed to the big dance at Windy Hill.
NORTHERN SAINTS 13.10-88 def. MOONEE VALLEY 10.11-71 – Details
A hard-hitting, high-flying, close match was promised and these brut forces did exactly that, wanting to keep their finals dreams alive.
The Saints supporters came loud and proud and witnessed their side break out to a 29-point halftime lead.
Off the back of halfback run, sweeping handballs and overall pace out of contests, the Northern Saints looked as though they could run away with it.
But a valiant Moonee Valley outfit showed real heart and kicked four unanswered goals in the third quarter off the back of toughness and great leadership.
Ned Wilson was a big part of the Fog gaining back the lead through many clearances and superbly setting up the high-flying Jordan Faba, who lifted on such a big occasion with a bag of six goals.
Consistently better across the board, though, the Northern Saints had eight different goal kickers and many performers across the board.
Following some good recent form, Fouad Akkari was again instrumental along with pressure from Matthew Gray, who lifted the Saints’ intensity all over.
Overall fitness and poise in the last quarter and the balance of experience and youth helped the Saints over the line against a tough Moonee Valley side by 17 points, setting up a Preliminary final date with Jacana this Saturday at Coburg City Oval.
