Division 3 Team of the Year

Division 3 Scribe

After two teams dominated the competition for most of the season, it seems a fitting end to the year to have UHS-VU and Power House meet in this week’s Division 4 Grand Final.

The minor premiers in Power House have been a story of consistency throughout the season, beating UHS to top spot at the end of the home and away season after UHS stumbled at the final hurdle. Who can blame them, though, as it was always going to be tough for UHS to maintain the frenetic pace they set early on in the season.

Having said that, home and away season honours mean very little when it comes to finals, and when the two heavyweights of Division 3 meet in the Grand Final this week past results mean very little too. At this stage, the flag is still anyone’s.

The route to the big dance was much easier for UHS who were able to book their spot in the grand final when they beat Power House comfortably in the second semi final. The result confirming that the minor premiership may not have meant a great deal; however, after the 44-point loss, the House had the double chance and were faced with Westbourne, a side capable of beating anyone on their day, exemplified by their Round 18 win over UHS.

Only a goal separated the two sides at the quarter time break, as Power House had their guns firing through Team of the Year Recipient Nicholas Nagel in good form, eventually booting four goals for the day and Patrick Healey at his devastating best through the midfield, collecting best on ground honours in the process. As all good sides do, Westbourne Grammarians rallied and swung the momentum in their favour holding a 19-point advantage at half time as big man Chris Hudson stood up and lead the way for his side. Jaxon Cook (3) and Benjamin Johnson (2) did most of the damage for Westbourne in front of goal as they had the favourites quaking.

House coach, Anthony Voyage must have had some stern words to say to his chargers as they came out and overturned the 19-point deficit to a lead of 26 points as they shot 11 scoring shots. From then onwards, it looked like an unlikely task for Westbourne and the House kicked away in the final term to be eventual winners by 43 points, booking their ticket for the grand final with UHS next week.

It’s going to be a tough game for both sides, each with a point to prove; Power House wanting to making amends for the disappointing second semi final loss, while UHS want to prove once and of all they’re the best there is in Division 3.

With Sam Confait still out for Power House, it’s going to a tough battle for the midfield who will need to dig deep and win the contested ball in and under if they’re going to jump the Vultures. Nicholas Nagel will also need to fire and end the day with a big bag to get his team (and supporters) up and about early. For UHS, they’ll need to stick to their guns and trust the process they’ve followed all year is good enough to take them all the way. Their run off the half back line and strength through the midfield has never left their forwards demanding more supply – if it all clicks for UHS early and the House don’t bring Grand Final intensity, it could be blow out.

Having said that, I have faith Power House will bounce back and take this game down to the wire. I’m tipping UHS to win by 3 points.