Club XVIII Section 1 & 2 Grand Finals

By Norm Nugent

Unicorns and Spartans win through to contest Premiership match

The two Preliminary Finals had a marked similarity in so far as the two winning teams started well and built early scoreboard pressure on their opposition. They then maintained the pressure throughout the game.

Section 1

Hawthorn took control early in their match as they surged forward regularly to build a thirty nine-point lead over Richmond Central by quarter time. John Farah and Ari Mitropoulos were both active up forward as they kicked multiple unanswered goals. Although Richmond Central played better in the second quarter, they were still outscored by the “Spartans” who held the lead at half time by a margin of 45 points. Hawthorn maintained control throughout the second half despite a more determined effort by Richmond Central who outscored the “Spartans” in the third quarter. Hawthorn players appeared to ease pressure on the “Cardinals” who trailed by 38 points at the last change. The last quarter saw each side slow down as each side added only one goal with the match wound down to a tame finish. Hawthorn, who won by 39 points and thus qualified to again contest the Grand Final against Old Xaverians. Best for Hawthorn included: John Farah (five goals), Ari Mitropoulos (three goals) and Nicholas Criticos. For Richmond Central; James Stevenson, Lachlan McKenzie and Mark McCabe were best.

Section 2

Melbourne High School Old Boys took the ascendency right from the first bounce and but for errant kicking (a “Unicorn” trait throughout the season), the “Unicorns” would have held a winning lead. In fact their lead was only 12 points. Albert Park was held to one minor score in the second quarter as Melbourne High continued to build their lead. As had happened over recent weeks, the “Unicorns” were able to capitalise on their forward moves whilst their opponents were prevented from scoring. By half time, Melbourne High led by 38 points. The third quarter provided a tighter contest as only three goals were kicked. Melbourne High School held a 46-point lead at the last change. The last quarter saw Albert Park displaying their best form of the game as they easily outscored their opponents. However time was against Albert Park who finished 31 points behind Melbourne High School Old Boys at the end of the match. Best for the winners included; Louis Meyer (five goals), William Rebakis and Nicholas Orchard. For Albert Park the best included; Adam Smith, Myles Coker and Matthew Smith.

Grand Final Preview

Section 1

Old Xaverians and Hawthorn meet for the fourth time this season with honours just in the Xaverians’ favour. Each won at home against the other during the season and the Xaverians barely survived in a nail biting Second Semi Final two weeks ago. That narrow victory may tip the scales in favour of the Xaverians as Hawthorn did appear to slow up last week as the preliminary Final progressed. The two sides do try and outwit each other and I am sure the tactical battle between Anthony Demetriou and David Landrigan will continue.

The two teams possess potent forward lines where several players have demonstrated their ability to kick goals. Because of the strength of each side, neither backline has faced undue pressure. Any ascendancy by forwards could produce the winning factor. Hawthorn forwards including the experienced Angelo Lekkas, the fast moving John Farah and quick ball mover Anthony Demetriou will need close attention as will Matthew Green and James McDonnell in the “Crocodile” forward lines. In the Semi Final, the Silk brothers and cousins all did well and proved illusive. Can they produce a “carbon copy”? Xaverian captain, Andrew Barrett, will prove a handful for his opponents with his fearless attack on the ball an the drive he generates around the ground.

Who will win is open to conjecture and the outcomes of the off field preparations. Are the Xaverians as good as thought or were Hawthorn looking ahead when they felt victory was theirs last Sunday? We will know by 4.30 p.m on Sunday. My selection is Old Xaverians to win narrowly after a titanic battle.

Section 2

St Francis Xavier enters this match, highly favoured to defeat Melbourne High School Old Boys by a wide margin. In their two meetings this season, St Francis have won by 95 points (Round 7) and 71 points (Round 14). However, like the wine at Cana, the “Unicorns” have left their best to the last as they did in 2014. I am in little doubt that St Francis will meet sterner opposition than they did in the home and away matches.

St Francis has not played on Sportscover Arena where the wide wings and vagaries of the prevailing winds have brought many a favoured team to defeat. Despite the great form I have seen displayed by “The Unicorns” over the past two weeks, the depth of talent available to St Francis leads me to believe they will win this game as they have won their previous 16 matches in 2015. Their multi-pronged forward line will prove too talented for the determined “Unicorn” defenders for whom the extra match last week could bring tiredness before the final siren. I select St Francis to win and become Premiers and Champions of the section.

GRAND FINAL TIPS

Clubbies Section 1
Old Xaverians v Hawthorn

Clubbies Section 2
St Francis Xavier v MHSOB