Gryphons prevail against the Vultures

Ben Black

What a win it was for the Glen Eira Gryphons on the weekend. They bounced back from a shock loss in the Semi Final, to secure their well-earned position in the Grand Final via the double chance. Whilst Saturday saw the 2023 season come to a close for UHS-VU, the Gryphons have their eyes set firmly on chasing down Grand Final glory next week against the Oakleigh Krushers.

Conditions down at Waverley Oval were not the typical September, with sun showers for really most of the day. It was UHS who won the toss kicking to the Chadstone side of the ground. Sean Bass kicked the Gryphons into action with a classy snap and the first for the day. Early pressure applied by both teams saw the game evenly poised with not many scoring shots but just back and forth providing a great contest. UHS were able to produce a lot of inside fifties for not much reward, only managing 1 goal, 5 behinds. Whilst at the other end, it was Tim Johnston providing a much-needed goal for Glen Eira from a bullet pass from Bill Alexander. Glen Eira going up 14-11 at quarter time.

In the second term, UHS provided the early ascendancy applying extra pressure to the Glen Eira defenders. Sean Bass’ second major provided a roar for the crowd giving plenty to cheer about. Gryphons were able to flip the script and then give the Vultures the headaches with a late goal from classy player Will Green, then Tim Johnson collected another major late in the second.

The third term saw UHS want to give the fight back to Glen Eira and they did that with cult figure Brandon Jackson slotting a key major within the first 30 seconds. Finn Urie providing plenty of skill kicking two majors within a minute that got UHS back in front. Tim Johnston showing class kicking another key major the game was well poised with James French from Glen Eira showing his versatility getting plenty of hit outs to his midfielders.

Heading into the last quarter, Glen Eira put the foot down with Alex Ewrin Ross kicking a magnificent major from 45 metres that got the crowd up and about. Lachie Myers found space and time to slot two consecutive majors in less than a minute. The ball hardly left the halfway mark of the last term before the Vultures were about to grab one late one on the siren. The Gryphons though to the Grand Final to take on Oakleigh Krushers.

Well, it’s the big dance next week Krushers vs Gryphons, second v first of the final ladder. Who will get up? It will be down to the key matchups for next week. Who will take Aaron Cloke after he destroyed them with 8 majors last time they met in the Semi Final. Glen Eira has the double chance at glory with their Division 1 Men’s Seniors & Reserves into Grand Finals next weekend. Oakleigh with the week off should be a good chance to secure the Grand Final win, a perfect backbone to lead into Premier C, but hey, anything can happen in finals, so it should be a cracker!