By Russell Bennett
WEST GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL NETBALL COMPETITION
REVIEW – FINALS WEEK 2
Champion sides just find a way to win. Whether it’s through something intangible, or one of the ingredients that makes them great, they stand up right when they need to most – right when the pressure is at its highest.
Reigning A Grade premier Dalyston won through to the grand final at Garfield later this month courtesy of the narrowest of victories over Phillip Island on Saturday, 32-31.
With the Island missing some key players, Dalyston pounced. Although Jenny McRae’s side went in as the underdog on paper, in reality it was anything but that.
Island coach Kate Steel through a curveball into the mix early, starting herself as goal shooter, and it seemed to work a treat as she fed the reliable Janelle Smyth superbly.
With the scores all tied up after the first quarter, Dalyston emerged for the second term with a clear strategy – to try and double-team Smyth with Alana McRae (GD) and Gemma Thomas (GK) at every opportunity.
At the other end of the court, goal attack Britt Thomas and Island opponent Lawri Piera were locked in an enthralling battle.
Following a sold second quarter, Dalyston was three goals up at the main break – 17-14.
But the Island brought a number of changes into effect for the third, with Steele moving out of goals and into her favoured centre position.
This appeared to be a better match-up in the midcourt for the Island, with Steel running with the dangerous Hannah McRae.
With the scores deadlocked at 24 apiece going into the final quarter, the Island broke the Dalyston centre early and held a two-goal advantage for much of the term. But the reigning premier simply refused to give in and wrestled the lead back with under a minute remaining – with Alana McRae leading by example and raising the intensity.
Smyth had a tough shot on goal to put the game into extra-time with under 10 seconds remaining in the fourth, but it just rimmed out with the Magpies winning by a goal and getting the chance to defend their flag on 15 September.
Sunday’s knockout semi-final showdown pitted last season’s runner-up Korumburra-Bena against Kooweerup at Denhams Road.
The Giants claimed a blowout win in the last meeting between the two sides, so all eyes were on the Demons to see if they could find a way to peg back the margin on their home court.
They started particularly promisingly and trailed by just a goal heading into the second term.
But it was then that the finals-hardened Giants began to tighten their grip on the clash – leading by seven at the main break.
The third quarter belonged to the Giants with pocket rocket Jacqui Snooks putting in an absolute blinder and playing a crucial role in her side leading by 12, 35-23, with a quarter left to play.
Though the Demons left no stone unturned in their quest to get back into the contest in the final term, the Giants simply proved too strong – winning their way through to a preliminary final blockbuster against the Island.
Information provided by AFL Gippsland contributed heavily to this report.
