VAFA ROUND 21_Col.indd - Victorian Amateur Football Association

was arguably Carey’s poor conversion (2.8) that saw
them trailing. Both teams managed three goals each in
the third quarter, with the Dogs maintaining their twopoint
buffer at the final break. The last term was a classic,
but it was to be the Panthers who emerged victorious by
a mere seven points. Simon Caven and Harry Overman
were best for St. Bernard’s, while Sam Fisher (in just his
second game for the season) and Nick Richardson were
best for Carey.
It was the upset of the season. Fitzroy’s four-goal secondsemi
win over the previously undefeated Werribee was
the triumph of a team with belief. The Tigers got away to
an early lead, but with a six-goal second-term the Roys
were seven points up at half-time. The third quarter saw
Fitzroy kick a wasteful 2.8 and there were fears that this
profligacy would cost them the game. However, they did
not despair and came home with force, finishing full of
running to boot 6.6 in the last to overpower Werribee.
Preview: Footy finals are littered with stories of
unbeatable teams who went out in straight sets. But I am
not expecting that fate to befall Werribee, and am tipping
that they will bounce back strongly to defeat Old Carey
by 35 points at Craigieburn.
NORTH 2 REVIEW: Therry-Penola carried their
good recent form into the second-semi and recorded a
comfortable 32-point win over Aquinas. Despite being
two points down at the half, the ladder-leaders kicked six
in the third quarter to put paid to thoughts of an upset.
Ibrahim Kana, with six goals, was the star for Therry.
In the first-semi at Waverley, Old Ivanhoe thumped Old
Westbourne by 113 points in a performance which will
have them believing they can knock over the Bloods
this week. The Warriors were extremely disappointing
and were outclassed all over the ground. Best for the
Hoers was James Moio who booted seven in a dominant
performance.
Preview: This prelim looms as a belter: I reckon that Old
Ivanhoe have hit their straps at the right time, and am
expecting them to triumph by 10 points over Aquinas.
SOUTH 1: With Tom Small out it was always going to
be a tough ask for the Fields, and after a goalless first
quarter supporters were wondering where the goals were
going to come from. Brighton on the other hand were up
and about and by half time could sniff a Grand Final birth.
Once again Sargent was brilliant in the middle, he won
the hard ball setting the standard and tone for his team
mates, Coroneos booted three as he and Newman were
crafty up forward. Schaffer was quiet whilst Scott Bilger
continues his great end to the season. Skevs and AJAX
had to wait until Sunday to contest their elimination final,
Immediately SKOBS were on the front foot with big man
Rowe proving difficult for the AJAX defence. Charlie
Ring was back doing what he does best and that’s being
a clearance and running machine, he along with Will
Russel were excellent all day. For Ajax once again a lack
of goal kickers and forward targets let them down, Lang,
Simon and Nissen were all very well held whilst Harel
and Selzer tried hard all day. For AJAX their season ends,
Skevs march on into the second week while the Fields
have the Second Chance. Waverly Park will host the do
or die battle, I’m tipping a kick will separate the teams all
day. Hopefully Tom Small will be right and if he is I’ll tip
Caulfield by five Points.
SOUTH 2:Oakleigh move into the Grand Final whilst
Old Xavs bow out! Oakleigh’s dreadful kicking in front of
goal kept the dons in the game at half time, and the trend
continued in the second half. Mazenod couldn’t capitalise
and in the end were convincingly beaten by 50-points.
Paul Tsoucalas led all comers with four majors whilst Tim
Scott showed why he has been selected in their senior
side all year with a dominating display. For Mazenod all
is not lost, their consistent season gives them the second
chance, however running into a rampaging Old Geelong
is not ideal. OG’s brilliant finals record continues as a
dazzling second half knocked out Xavier. Skelton proved
that he can perform in finals kicking five in a outstanding
performance, he along with inside nuggetty midfielder
Julian Foster were brilliant. Due to the premier finals
fixture being cancelled, Old Xavs dropped back some
super players including Sam Lees to keep their reserves
in the race. However a forgettable second half cost Xavier
any chance of progressing into the Preliminary final. Next
week’s game will be tight, Mazenod will go in favourites
but Old Geelong will fancy themselves and come into the
game with nothing to lose. My Tip Mazenod… JUST!
TODAY
Selections in BOLD
U19 PREMIER
BEAUMARIS v OLD XAVERIANS
DE LA SALLE v OLD SCOTCH
U19 NORTH (1)
WERRIBEE v OLD CAREY
U19 NORTH (2)
AQUINAS v OLD IVANHOE
U19 SOUTH (1)
ST KEVINS v CAULFIELD GRAMM
U19 SOUTH (2)
MAZENOD v OLD GEELONG
THE AMATEUR FOOTBALLER 2010 49