The Sharks Fall Victim to the Bloods’ Finals Rampage

Eliza Wright

Finals footy is well and truly alive at Elsternwick Park and Saturday’s Premier B Men’s semi-final against Beaumaris and Old Haileybury had us all ready to go. Coming off a 32-point loss against the Uni Blacks in round one, Beaumaris had their fingers crossed to keep their finals campaign alive. As for Old Haileybury, their come from behind win and never say die attitude in last week’s semi-final had them hungry for the footy. Having not beaten the Sharks in the home and away season, the Bloods had everything to play for and nothing to lose.

 This appetite for victory showed from the first siren to the last with momentum certainly in Old Haileybury’s favour. The Bloods got out to a 38-point lead with Kye Turner bringing the backline heat early, restricting Beaumaris to a single point for quarter. Jack Lonie capitalised on this pressure, booting three goals to start his tally.  

As the game wore on the pressure came from the middle with the barometer in Brede Seccull working tirelessly for the ball, allowing Noah Gown and Brodie Steele to get to work in front of goal. The Sharks stepped up their intensity with goals to Sam and Josh Gibbins keeping them in the game. Meanwhile Conor Murphy’s run and carry on the wing and handy goal helped nudge the Sharks in the right direction. However, Old Haileybury found all the answers, working cohesively to extend their lead to 47-points. 

It was all downhill from there for the Sharks, with their tentative game style not enough to keep up with Old Haileybury. Despite this, a commendable effort to Lewis Diggins, remaining determined for the footy and holding down The Sharks defence alongside Jak Nardino putting his body on the line for Beauy. 

From there Old Haileybury ran away with the game as Samuel Loewe’s speed and football IQ saw no sign of wavering, recording fourth goals for the day. A fifth goal awarded the way of Jack Lonie well and truly closed the curtains for The Sharks 2022 season. A final score of Old Haileybury 17.11-113 to Beaumaris 4.9-33 sends Old Haileybury into the 2022 Premier B Grand Final and promotion into William Buck Premier in 2023. 

Despite their season ending there, the Sharks have lots to look forward to in 2023 with a young group coming through, including Tom Spencer, who’s return to footy on the weekend gives Beauy fans lots to look forward to. Beaumaris are likely to be Premier B front runners next year alongside Old Trinity, St Bernard’s coming down from A grade. On the other side of the coin, it was an emotional ending for club champions Matt Petering, Rob Cathcart and Scott Gower playing their final game in the blue and yellow. 

Eliza Wright’s Grand Final preview will be released later in the week & available in the Grand Final Record