PEGS into the Division One Grand Final

Josh Heriot

There was a hint of spring in the air on Saturday as we saw the first of three rounds of finals in division one with all four remaining teams finishing off the home and away season in strong fashion. On Saturday, it was a top two clash as PEGS met with Kew and this was followed by the second semi-final on Sunday with Glen Eira and Old Camberwell. The Melbourne weather Gods certainly provided teams with perfect football weather which meant for an exciting opening finals weekend. 

Division one juggernaut PEGS stormed away to gain the first spot in the division one grand final after a comprehensive victory over Kew at Piranha Park. PEGS having lost just one game this season again showed their class and reinstated that they’re the team to beat this finals series. 

Kew who have been a strong competitor in their own right this season, were quick to start the game as they kicked four goals to one in the first quarter to hold a 16-point margin at the break. Inaccuracy saw PEGS miss in front of goal with four behinds to finish the opening quarter. Kew’s Josh Wise provided stability around the ground with a number of teammates in Matt Sharkey, Regan Smith and Lachlan James all kicking two goals apiece for the game. 

However, momentum saw PEGS rebound after the quarter time break as they kicked seven goals in the second quarter to Kew’s four behinds. The main break came as a friend for Kew as they tried to wrestle back some momentum and they stuck with PEGS at the third change, trailing by 27. As has been the trend this year however, PEGS broke clear in the last quarter to solidify their dominance with the final margin blowing out to 37 points. The PEGS line-up in front of goal was once again led by Jack Fenner who registered three majors alongside his teammate Thomas Saggio who also finished with three goals. Impressively, PEGS finished with ten individual goal kickers which has been the case for most of the year with a range of forwards and midfielders hitting the scoreboard. Andrew Macdonald hit his straps with a best on ground performance for PEGS with David Bensen also featuring in amongst the best. This win has now given PEGS a week off and more importantly a golden ticket to the grand final in two week’s time. 

The second semi-final on Sunday saw Old Camberwell Grammarians face off against Glen Eira at Trevor Barker Oval and it was Old Camberwell who ensured they hit the scoreboard early and assumed the lead. Quarter time saw the Wellers with a lead to the tune of 21 points as they kept the Gryphons to just one goal in the opening quarter. It was Glen Eira however, that worked their way back into the game kicking five goals in the second quarter and trailing narrowly by 4 points at half-time. 

Daniel McDonald was instrumental for the Gryphons kicking five of their seven goals for the game and earning him a best on ground performance. A 13-point lead however to Old Camberwell at three-quarter time gave them a slight edge and they pulled away to win by 19 points. Camberwell were assisted on the scoreboard by Nicholas Latsas, James Allen, Sam Murphy and Sam Boyce who each kicked two goals. Meanwhile Thomas Oliver was named one of the best for Old Camberwell alongside James Allen in what was a pleasing win for the club.

The win for Old Camberwell will see them take on Kew in the preliminary final on Saturday at Piranha Park which looks to be a fascinating battle for a spot in the grand final. Kew will be licking their wounds from last Saturday’s loss but it’s Camberwell who have their tails up with momentum they can take from their semi-final win into this Saturdays game. It’s all or nothing for both teams on Saturday with one chance to progress to the grand final and whatever happens, it should be another great battle in division one.