Ned Couper-Johnston steals the show in final-minute thriller

In the final round of the home and away season, it was the last chance for sides not playing finals to end their season on a high – and it was an important finals rehearsal for the top four teams. Ned Couper-Johnston wheeled himself to kick two match-defining goals in the last quarter to win the game for UHS-VU.

In one of the best games of the year, UHS-VU recorded a final score of 9.20 (74) to Kew’s 9.18 (72). The Vultures dominated the first term, with Noah Seiderman delivering wonderfully inside 50 to leading goal scorer in the competition Brandon Jackson. Turnovers from the Bears costed them early, trailing four goals to five behinds at quarter time.

The second term saw a fightback from the Bears, as Regan Smith impressed again in the midfield, winning multiple clearances, and impacting the scoreboard. They started moving the ball more boldly in the corridor, with Richard Hughes and Max Waters taking the game on at half-back. In the third term, the Bears were in full control, with their defence shutting down the space for Brandon Jackson, as Luka Argent played superbly in what was a tough matchup. The Bears’ heat around the ball and great transition gave them a six-point lead at three-quarter time, after trailing by 31 points at one stage.

“We spoke about defending the corridor better at three-quarter time and just wanted to make better decisions with the footy in hand,” UHS-VU captain Harrison Kennedy said.

The final term saw Esubalew Ramsay and Jeffrey Fox have some big moments in the stoppages, giving their side a chance late. When Cameron Roberts put through a major, to get the Bears a two-goal buffer, a late comeback was looking unlikely. However, the Vultures won the footy out of the centre clearances when they needed to, with Esubalew Ramsay and Ned Couper-Johnston steering through two match-winning goals. Ned Couper-Johnston lined up in almost the exact spot he kicked a goal earlier in the last to nail it, with only three seconds remaining. It’s been a heartbreaking fortnight for the Bears who drew to the Preston Bullants and arguably coughed up another here.

“It was really pleasing to see the boys dig deep and find a way when challenged,” Kennedy said.

The motivation for Old Peninsula to finish the season on a high was evident, defeating Ormond by 29 points, 15.14 (104) to 11.9 (75). Midfielders Jake Lovett and Hugh Peacock served it up to the Monders, giving their forwards first use. Jeremy Simon stood up down back for the Monders, but numerous entries made it tough to combat.

“We just didn’t apply enough pressure anywhere near where we needed to in the contest,” Ormond coach Kyle Pinto said.

“We matched them in contested possession but when they got out, they got out really easily,” Pinto said.

Bailey Payze loved the service in the forward line, adding six goals to his name, making it 11 majors in the last two weeks. The Pirates have been impressive for the majority of the year, just two wins shy of equal 4th on the ladder.

“The Pirates must develop an under-19 side and grow depth to become ladder leaders,” outgoing Pirates coach Peter Williamson said.

Parkside had 10 different goal-kickers in their 132-point win over the Old Yarra Cobras, 24.19 (163) to 4.7 (31). First term was a tight tussle between both sides, but after quarter time it was all the Devils. The Devils midfield began to dominate contested ball, with great service from Lewis Daniels in the ruck, as the second-placed side kicked the next 10 consecutive goals.

Luciano Logozzo was exceptional in the forward line for the Devils aerially, and his second efforts showed the game before finals meant plenty to the side. Yanek Stecki racked up plenty of disposals across the wing, using it well for his forwards, as they kicked the biggest score of the year.

Prahran defeated West Brunswick by 43 points, 16.5 (101) to 9.4 (58), finishing the season as minor premiers. It was a big game for the Magpies, who were in the battle to avoid relegation, a win meant a good chance of staying up. The Magpies showed plenty around the contest, with Ben Ablett and Henry Mahoney taking it up to the ladder leaders. Magpies ruckman Emlyn Nettleton competed hard against Rory Brodie and Shaun Chapman around the ground, as the Magpies were only two goals down at three-quarter time. The last quarter saw Prahran take control, with a six to one goal term. Prahran’s Matt Clifford kicked five goals for the day and will prove vital this finals series.

The Preston Bullants brought up their seventh win of the year defeating Therry Penola by 32 points. Therry Penola, kicking into a breeze took advantage in the first quarter, Matthew Lyons got his hands on the footy first and continued on his great season. 

The second term saw the Preston Bullants put on nine goals to Therry’s two. Conor Howard was dominant around goal, kicking five for the match, helping his side to a healthy 34-point lead at half time.

Therry Penola stood up in the third term, understanding the ramifications of a loss if the Magpies won. The Preston Bullants’ ability to win the one-on-one battles in the last quarter resulted in a great victory, to end the season.

Now the focus turns to finals – the month of football fans love watching and the month players play for.

Prahran take on Parkside in the Qualifying Final. In the head-to-head, both sides are at one each – with the Devils winning the first one early in the season and Prahran winning the second, in a wet affair. Ladder position becomes irrelevant as both teams will appreciate the second chance.

It’s do or die in the Elimination Final, as Ormond take on UHS-VU. Similarly, both sides are at one each, head-to-head this year. The Midfield battle is no doubt a crucial contest this weekend, as will be the Monders defence against Brandon Jackson.