Division 4 Team of the Year

Jason Bast – @Jason_Bast

North Brunswick 8.10-58 def by Manningham Cobras 10.6-66

After a disappointing first week of finals, we’ve had our first close game – and an upset at that! There are now just two teams who remain in season 2017, and as we head into the Grand Final we are reminded of why we love footy and what we play for. The excitement and nerves and the smell of spring in the air … is there a better time for any footy fan?

Flashback to earlier in the year and North Brunswick had a perfect start to the season going undefeated until meeting the Cobras in Round 13. Whatever the Cobras did then, it’s worked for them again as they dished out a disappointment to the Bulls’ fans, ending their year on a sour note – a straight sets exit from finals. The Cobras got out to an early lead, kicking three goals to one in the first quarter to lead North Brunswick by 12 points at the first change. Manningham put on another two goals to the Bulls’ one in the second term to push the margin out to 17 points at the main break. It was far from over, North Brunswick not wanting to let their brilliant season fall agonisingly short. They booted four goals to the Cobras’ three in the third quarter to bring the lead back to 13 points going into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter will stick in the minds of the Bulls for a while, as they shot themselves in the foot with their inaccuracy. The Bulls managed to hold Manningham to two goals straight in the last but failed to capitalise on their seven opportunities, kicking 2.5 to go down by eight points in a heartbreaking loss.

Ashley Rae and Peter Butler were the multiple goal kickers for North Brunswick finishing with three and two goals, respectively. Kane Maghamez was damaging up forward yet again for the Cobras booting a bag of five. Nick Zappala was brilliant for the whole contest earning himself best on ground and Timothy Conn was great as well.

Preview

With the upset, this means Manningham move on to the grand final to face minor premiers and ominous favourites Aquinas. This is what it all comes down to and it has shaped up to be a great contest. Aquinas have been the powerhouse of the competition all year with a brilliant record and a staggering percentage; However, if there is one team that’s in for a good chance to knock them off for the flag it’s the in-form, hard-working Cobras. Manningham have had a terrific year, finishing third on the ladder and knocking off both top teams throughout the year. It will definitely be a great game.