Unbeaten Animals, red-hot Westies fly into Division 2

Emmaus St Leos continued their unbeaten season and booked themselves a grand final appearance with a 94-point win against Aquinas at Garvey Oval earlier today. 37 scoring shots to 13 spelled clearly the level of dominance the Animals showcased, with big man Ryan Harding leading from the front and booting seven majors. Callum Hogan was named best afield in the Animals’ win, while Michael Jess stood tall for Aquinas despite the loss. It is a worthy promotion for the Animals from Division 3 to Division 2 in 2016 after they were by far and away the best side throughout the home and away fixture. They will now need to wait to find out their opponent for next week’s grand final, with Hawthorn and West Brunswick set to reignite their modern day rivalry when the two sides clash at Meade Reserve tomorrow. It was a brilliant season for Aquinas, who won 12 of their 16 games on their way to this year’s finals series.

West Brunswick will enter Division 2 in 2016 on the back of a 55-point preliminary final win against Hawthorn at Meade Reserve. The Westies came out all guns blazing in the rematch from last season’s Division 4 grand final, kicking 52 to nil in the opening term. From there it was an even spread between both sides, with 11 goals kicked to the Hawks’ 10. Bill Irving and Dylan Muscat led from the front for the Westies, kicking three goals each and collecting a bevy of disposals, while Sam Gold stood tall – as he has all season – for the Hawks. The Hawks will likely enter next season as premiership favourite after they won eight straight heading into this week, with a list full of talented players at their disposal. The Westies will now face an undefeated Emmaus St Leos at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday.