Cobras cost the Bloods a chance at the big dance

The first Semi Final for the Division 2 Men’s competition was an all-or-nothing showdown between third and fourth placed Old Yarra Cobras and South Melbourne Districts respectively. Their history this season sits at a win apiece, but as we know, it’s a whole different ball game come finals time.

The contest was fairly even in the first; the Cobras the more accurate of the two, to head into the first huddle 3.1 to the Bloods’ 2.3. Inaccuracy in front of the big sticks plagued the Bloods who despite taking a lead in the second term, kicked 1 goal, 5 behinds. With a mere 3 points separating the two sides at the half, it was anyone’s game heading into the premiership quarter.

Vying for that spot in the Preliminary Final, the Cobras got to work after half time to add 4.4 to their total, taking back the lead, spearheaded by Jack Hall who finished with 2 goals for the day.

Jason Clifford starred for the Bloods with 2 majors in a best on performance. He lifted his side in the final term to get back in the contest, and whilst they were able to keep the Cobras scoreless, the Bloods fell just short of claiming victory by 4 points.

In their first year as an amalgamated club, the Old Yarra Cobras have impressively reached the Preliminary Final, which is an achievement that deserves to be recognised.

The South Melbourne Districts have strung together a competitive season, and will no doubt be looking to take it even further in 2024.

Moving now to Bill Lawry Oval where minor premiers’ Parkside faced off against Brunswick. The Devils in red came out guns blazing and were looking to make their mark in the finals series. Despite some inaccurate kicking they sat comfortably on 36 points to the NOBs single goal heading into the first break.

Brunswick are no strangers to a finals appearance, but have fallen just short of the ultimate prize in recent years. Alexander Avraam is one of their players who stepped up on the big stage. Having consistently hit the scoreboard all season, Avraam took it to another level with 3 goals for the day in a best on ground performance.

The Devils meant business and extended their lead at every turn to race home with a 55-point victory, securing them that illustrious spot in the Grand Final. They have delivered a near perfect season and approached every opponent with care and consideration. They went into the Semi and simply did what they do best, which is read the opponent, take a lead, and deliver a four-quarter effort.

Michael Romano was once again a leader for the Devils, kicking his biggest bag of the season with 5 goals and was deemed best afield. Whilst he hasn’t had a high-scoring season in front of the big sticks, Lewis Daniels managed 3 majors for the day to contribute to Parkside’s total score of 105 for the day.

Brunswick will now take on the Old Yarra Cobras in the Preliminary Final to earn that Grand Final position. There is no question that their hearts were in the match with the hopes of achieving glory in Division 2, however Brunswick will now have to take the long path to get there, should they wish to taste the glory.