Wickers win and an X-Men triumph

Connor Hoetzel

Semi-Final 1: Elsternwick vs La Trobe University

Third placed Elsternwick ran rampant over La Trobe University in this knockout Semi-Final match on Sunday afternoon. The Wickers came out firing in the first quarter, booting six goals to one, leading by 30 points at the first change. An even second quarter saw one goal apiece, and Elsternwick hosting a 32 point lead at the main break. Another dominant quarter saw Elsternwick again increase their lead, going into the final change with a comfortable 54-point buffer, before a quiet final quarter saw the final margin 62 points in favour of the Wickers. Julian Yeatman was back at his best for the Bombers, kicking four goals, while Scott Carter also kicked two. Lachlan Lloyd was the pick of the bunch for the victors, who progress through to the Preliminary Final next week. The Trobers ended their season with no multiple goal scorers, but were led by Andy Castles, who was prolific on the day as he has been all season.

Semi-Final 2: St Francis Xavier OC vs Albert Park

A seesawing match for a place in the Grand Final and a chance for promotion up the lengthy VAFA section ladder. The first quarter saw the premiership favourites, St Francis Xavier, take a two goal lead before a resilient Albert Park fought back to take the lead at the major break. The X-Men exploded out of the blocks of half time, smashing through nine goals in the third quarter to the Falcons one, leading by 33 points heading into the final quarter. The final quarter was full of excitement, as Albert Park now had control of the scoring end. The Falcons held the X-Men goalless for the final quarter, but just couldn’t kick enough goals, in the end going down by 14 points. The result sees the X-Men through to the big dance, while Albert Park face off against Elsternwick in the Preliminary Final this weekend. St Francis Xavier were led by 11 goals to the Coe Show, as Harrison kicked seven and Marcus four. That wasn’t enough to earn them a place in the bests, as Jonathon King claimed top honours for the near unanimous premiership favourites. James Brick was dominant for the Falcons, kicking three and being named their best, while Thomas Wilson was also a hard battler for the Falcons.

PREVIEW

Preliminary Final: Albert Park vs Elsternwick

Albert Park and Elsternwick’s epic seasons has one final twist, as the two sides who finished just four premiership points apart do battle for the chance at promotion, and more importantly, a premiership. The two match-ups between the two teams during the home & away season saw two victories go the way of Albert Park. The first contest, in Round 8, was a thumping 62-point win to the Falcons. Three goals to Alistair Lupo were the catalyst for the Falcons, while Justin Hunter also played his part for the Wickers, kicking three goals himself. The second contest was a much closer affair, as Albert Park overcame the Wickers by 11 points. Nicholas Lowrie booted two for the Wickers that day, as did Julian Yeatman. The Falcons were led by four goals to James Brick and two to Thomas Wilson on the day.

The contest will be enthralling, and will go down at Waverley Oval at 2:30 pm on Sunday afternoon.