By Ryan Long.
This Saturday, Mitcham and Park Orchards are both chasing not only the Division One premiership but a return to the top division of the EFNL.
For Mitcham, the side is attempting to win consecutive senior premierships for the first time since the Tigers three-peat in 1979 to 1981.
A proud club with a rich history in the league, The Tigers are searching premiership number 18 and a return to the topflight of the EFNL for the first time since 2006.
Mitcham take on the Sharks who were the more dominant side during the Home and Away season with a record of 17-1. A win today would mark a very quick stop in Division One on their way back to Premier Division level as well as their second-ever premiership in the EFNL.
Michael Prosenak has been the driving force to Park Orchards success in 2024. An average of 20 disposals and 2 goals per game, the side has missed his presence in the Sharks first two finals.
The side have had to compete this finals series without their skipper, Prosenak missing the last Home and Away game for the season as well as their first two finals against Mitcham and Beaconsfield. It’ll be a gigantic boost to the side’s chances on Saturday if he is cleared to play.
A real highlight for the season has been the strong consistency from Jaye Witnish. With the season on the line in the Preliminary Final, Witnish finished with three majors and played an integral part in the Sharks eight-point win.
They’ll be eager to get another chance to take on Mitcham after a disappointing final term against the Tigers in the second-semi final which saw Park Orchards concede eight goals to zero.
The Tigers brand of footy has stacked up well in September over the last few seasons. Their pressure and contested work have been first class at Tormore Reserve and if the weather turns ugly, they’ll embrace the conditions.
Co-Captain Jesse Uren is having a career best season, averaging 24 disposals per game, 32 goals for the season.
The return of Josh May from VFL duties has also enhanced the defensive line-up, one of the Tigers best throughout the finals series.
Both sides are desperate for a return to Premier Division. While it’s been a long time for the Tigers, the Sharks have only recently dropped to Division One after their promotion in 2021.
Head-to-Head History (2024 Season)
Round Nine: Mitcham 15.8 98 def. Park Orchards 3.13 31 @ Walker Park
The Sharks first loss of the season came at the hands of the Tigers in Round Nine this year at Walker Park.
It was all set up with a seven-goal to zip first term, Mitcham dominated the clearance battle and perfected the wet weather conditions as they held the Sharks goalless for the first-half.
Skipper Jesse Uren and last year’s Blue Ribbon Medalist Jesse Cherry were outstanding in the contest, combining for 56 disposals.
Round Eighteen: Park Orchards 12.18 90 def. Mitcham 2.9 21 @ Domeney Reserve
The Sharks returned the favour in the final round of the Home and Away season, holding Mitcham to just two goals for the afternoon.
With the first week of the finals already locked in, neither side had much to play for, both teams missing key players.
Jacob Price-Inglis managed to lock down Mitcham’s most dangerous player while having 25 disposals and a goal himself.
Second Semi-Final: Mitcham 10.11 71 def. Park Orchards 6.7 43 @ Tormore Reserve
In the tough blustery conditions out at Tormore Reserve, Mitcham pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory in the final term. Trailing by four goals at Three Quarter Time, the Tigers kicked eight final quarter goals while keeping the Sharks goalless in the final 30 minutes of the contest to win by 28-points.
Jake Parente kicked four for the Tigers while Jesse Smyth celebrated his milestone game with a last-quarter goal. A dominant performance from Danny Baglava in the ruck summed up his impressive season to date.
The win saw Mitcham qualify for this weekend’s Grand Final first and also marked the Tigers fifth finals win in a row at Tormore Reserve.
Head-to-Head History (All Time)
Mitcham: 3 wins
Park Orchards: 3 wins