Devils survive late scare to book ticket to the Grand Final

The Preliminary Final showed how dangerous momentum can be in footy. In a game of two halves, Parkside managed to prevail and now face the fierce challenge of playing Prahran in the biggest game of them all.

Parkside didn’t let their double-chance go to waste, defeating UHS-VU by seven points, 9.12 (66) to 8.11 (59). The first term was an onslaught by the Devils, as they got back to their brand of football, kicking four goals on the bounce. It was a centre clearance domination from Parkside and when given space were not hesitating.

“That first quarter was some of the best footy I’ve played against. Their leg speed and the way they moved the ball early was phenomenal,” Vultures captain Harrison Kennedy said.

Second term was a similar tale, as the spread from the Devils proved difficult for their opposition. Devils’ winger Yanek Stecki ran hard all day, using his speed to run into space and finished off his own work. Rick Frost’s men were able to be put on a sizeable margin at half-time, but the Vultures weren’t out of it by any means.

Second half saw Vultures coach Paul Rocke spin some much-needed magnets around, including forward Brandon Jackson in the centre bounces. The Division’s leading goal scorer had been quiet until then, but, as great players do, he stepped up. He began to win crucial clearances, break tackles nonstop and his vibrance around the contest inspired his teammates to follow suit.

As Sam Adams put through another, the Devils started to make some uncharacteristic skill errors in their defensive half, but a Luciano Logozzo goal steadied the side.

The last quarter was breathtaking to watch, leaders from both sides – Michael Romano and Harrison Kennedy – willing their teams along. When Michael Romano scored a brilliant captain’s goal from the boundary to give the Devils a 23-point lead, most believed the game was over. However, Harrison Kennedy and Ben Dimattina showcased their experience to keep the Vultures in the game.

The Vultures kept on coming and when Jacob Hunt put through another major to bring them back within six points, Devils fans could not watch, it was game on. However, the Devils won the match-defining centre bounce, and a defensive turnover gave Yanek Stecki the license to end the Vultures premiership dreams.

It’s been an impressive season for UHS-VU, winning the opening eights game of the year – but winning only five out of their last 12 games shows the importance of hitting September with momentum.

It’s the match everyone has been waiting for, the best two teams of the year battling it out. Expect a fast start from Prahran, who earned the week off after their emphatic Semi Final performance.

The midfield battle is undoubtedly critical. Prahran dominated the Devils in centre clearances, with the Devils recording their first centre clearance only until the third term.

Captain Rory Brodie led Prahran beautifully at Trevor Barker Beach Oval and will prove not just an aerial challenge for Lewis Daniels but an aerobic one too. Last time they met, Prahran’s defensive pressure put a hold on the Devils’ brand of footy and if they bring that intensity again, they will be hard to stop. Prahran are deservedly favourites, but previous results mean nothing this weekend.

The Devils are no strangers to Grand Finals though. This Saturday will be their third consecutive Grand Final appearance. Parkside are to be commended for achieving the triple jump from Div 3 in 2022 to Div 2 in 2023, Div 1 in 2024, and with securing their spot in the Grand Final are locked in to play in the Premier C competition in 2025. Their promotion to Premier C for the coming season is a most significant achievement for the club, particularly in such a short time.