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Eastland Finals Preview | Week One

It’s finals time for Divisions One to Four this weekend! We’ve gone ahead and taken a look at each finals match up for week one and given our tips for the outcomes.

Division OneTeamsMontrosevMitchamLadder2nd (13,4,1)3rd (12,6)FormWWWDLLWLPrevious meetings 202311.15-81R39.12-6610.6-66R129.6-60

By Dylan Smith

Two division one heavyweights, Montrose and Mitcham meet for the third time this season with the winner getting access to a semi-final meeting with the undefeated South Belgrave. Not the ideal compensation for winning your qualifying final but nevertheless, avoiding a knockout final against North Ringwood/ Beaconsfield is a must for these two proud clubs.

Both sides have had colourful seasons, experiencing their ups and downs along the way.

Montrose have the superior win loss ratio over the season but have had a few head scratches along the way, namely against Croydon and Wantirna South, while Mitcham have looked the second best team in this division at times but failed to beat either South Belgrave or Montrose in the end and uncharacteristically dropped back to back games against Moorolbark and Bayswater to end the season.

Head-to-head, the two teams always produce exciting footy, they first met in round three at Walker Park, where Montrose ran out winners by 15 points after trailing Mitcham at the half.  That day it was Mitcham who dominated at the coal face, winning clearances by +16, contested possession by +9 and they generated seven more inside 50’s than the Demons. They hold an advantage here, having Danny Baglava and Tom Lovell tapping it down to Sam Carney and Jesse Uren but for all that good work on the day, The tiger’s only kicked 2.6 from that source, proving that efficiency from the clearance is just as important as winning it.

For Montrose, they were able to control the discrepancy in clearance and contested footy and play the turnover game, Ben Dessent made six intercepts on the day, from the midfield turning all of them into score involvements. In fact, Montrose created eight more turnovers than the tigers and managed to kick 53 points from that source, 65% of their total score, enough to make the difference in the game.

Again in round 12, Mitcham were +5 in contested possession, +12 in clearances and +15 in inside 50’s, this time they improved their clearance efficiency, scoring 38 points from the source, but again, it was Montrose, who although they didn’t get first use of the ball, excelled in the turnover game, piling on a massive 51 points from that source, 77% of their total score! This time Ben Dessent had 4 intercept possessions and turned them all into scores.

Mitcham have no problem winning the ball and generating scoring opportunities but if they want to turn the tide on this match up, they’ll need to react faster when they lose the ball in general play and stop Montrose scoring so freely from turnover. Conversely, if Montrose can improve their clearance work and breakeven with the tigers, their superior turnover game will lead them in good stead.

Tips

Dylan Smith: Montrose by 10 points.

Josh Ward: Mitcham by 2 points.

Ryan Long: Mitcham by 1 point.

TeamsBeaconsfieldvNorth RingwoodLadder4th (10,8)5th (8,9,1)FormWWLWLLWDPrevious meetings 20237.7- 49R87.9- 519.16 – 70.R179.7 – 61

By Dylan Smith

The race for fourth and fifth place were hotly contested in the run home and the eventual beneficiaries Beaconsfield and North Ringwood will now face off in a do or die elimination final. This is one of the more difficult contests to call, the two teams have met twice this season with honours being split 1-1 North Ringwood taking the win at home in round 8 by just 2 points before Beaconsfield won their Holm Park encounter by 9 points.

Beaconsfield have had an impressive rise in the EFNL, in just their second season they’ll be playing off in a final’s series, they’ve been helped on their cause by stars such as Damien Johnston in the midfield, Brandon White off half back and Jafar Ocaa with 32 goals up forward.

North Ringwood looked likely to miss the finals at certain stages this year and eventual qualification was probably ensured by their impressive draw against 2nd placed Montrose in round 15. They lost 3 of their first 4 with only a win to bottom placed Lilydale but they steadied to find their feet, Aaron Fenton and Jack Whelan were huge for their resurgence.

Their round 8 meeting was characterised by North Ringwood’s midfield dominance! They won clearances by 14, cashing in on Ruckman Thomas Jackson’s hit outs and they dominated the contests 129 to 106. Although it was a game where most of the scoring came from turnover – 5 goals apiece, North Ringwood’s 2.2 from clearance was the difference in the game.

A game style Beaconsfield have used this season is defending with ball in hand, they took an extra 10 uncontested marks in this game to counter their clearance differential, but they weren’t able to outscore North Ringwood from turnover where they would have thought their opportunity was to win the game.

In the round 17 clash at home, Beaconsfield were able to compete on the inside, breaking even at clearances and winning the contested possession by 19. Not only that, they continued their turnover style of play, creating 10 more turnovers and outsourcing the saints.

If Beaconsfield can compete at the clearances like they did in round 17, they’ll have the superior scoring power to put North Ringwood to the sword.

Tips

Dylan Smith: Beaconsfield by 25 points.

Josh Ward: Beaconsfield by 11 points.

Ryan Long:  North Ringwood by 10 points.

Division TwoTeamsWaverley BluesvTemplestoweLadder2nd (12-6)3rd (12-6)FormLWWWLWWLPrevious meetings 202312.12-90R111.12-787.10 52R128.8 56

By Ryan Long

Two close encounters this season sets up what should be a cracking Qualifying Final between Waverley Blues and Templestowe.

The Waverley Blues are the number two ranked attacking side in the competition, averaging 99 points per game. They’ve been a very dangerous side on the attack with their fast style of play.

Scoring power has been one of their biggest strengths over the last few years, a very potent forward line led by Williamson. In his second year with the club, Josh Williamson once again finished as the leading goal scorer of the division, this time with 52 goals from 16 games. They’ve also had great contribution from other key figures when on the park in Matt Perry and Tonn Steel, missing six games each.

The Dockers who have been more of a contested side, have battled their own injuries and absences. Whether it’s this week or next week, they’ll be desperate to get Carl Giovannini back on the field for the finals series after a minor injury setback.

Their biggest strength this year has been their midfield dominance. With the likes of Fogarty, Nagel, Giovannini and Batsanis running through the middle and getting first use of the ball from recruit Beau Mitchener, they’ve been able to pull apart sides quite a few times this year.

They’ve also been key in hitting the scoreboard, all either kicking goals or setting them up.

Dean Limbach is an interesting prospect ahead of tomorrow’s Qualifying Final. The EFNL star returning to the league and joining the Dockers half way through the year has been reasonably quiet in recent weeks. In his first two games for the Dockers, Limbach kicked 12 goals from limited possessions, but since then the veteran star has managed just six goals from eight games. Only needs six or seven touches to turn a game, they’ll be hoping he has a big influence on the scoreboard tomorrow afternoon.

Potentially the smaller ground at Walker Park and wet conditions could favour the Dockers? But I’m still backing the Waverley Blues with their style of play and ability to open up games with their scoring power to win and meet Boronia next week.

Tips

Dylan Smith – Templestowe by 16 points.

Josh Ward – Templestowe by 8 points

Ryan Long – Waverley Blues by 22 points.

TeamsHeathmontvMulgraveLadder4th (12-6)5th (10-8)FormWLWWLWWWPrevious meetings 20238.11 59R89.3 579.8 62R1714.9 93

By Ryan Long

Interesting match-up between the Lions and Jets. Apart from their final game of the season against the Hawks, Mulgrave have been in fantastic form, even defeating Heathmont at H.E Parker Reserve just a couple of weeks ago. It’s difficult what to take much from that Round 17 match-up between the two clubs.

Form and belief will be with this Mulgrave outfit who have charged home in the final rounds of the Home and Away season to clinch fifth position.

Young star Connor Tilyard has been consistent all season, one of the best on-ballers in the competition. He finished in the side’s best a total of 14 times, seven more than the next best Lions player.

Up forward, they’ve been able to hit the scoreboard in great fashion, veteran Adam Booth has starred with 35 of his 50 goals for the season all coming in the last seven matches of the season. Without Fletcher Roberts up forward and Lin Jong, both still out due to injury, the Lions will need another inspiring performance to get across the line and progress through to a Semi Final.

Some key inclusions for Heathmont since the last time these sides met such as Lake Tink and Fin Brown.

Although the Jets don’t always punish sides on the scoreboard, they’re a very defensive first team which has worked well in season 2023. In the first ten weeks of the season, they were averaging just 53 points against. Since then, a couple of sides such as Boronia and the Waverley Blues have found a way to open them up.

Bailey Stevens has had an outstanding year, 44 goals from 16 games, however 36 of those came in the first half of the year. With other forwards such as Chris Colombo out of the line-up, it’s potentially put a bit more pressure on the likes of Stevens.

One of the hardest games to tip this weekend, purely on current form, I’m backing the Lions to get across the line in a close contest at Walker Park.

Tips

Dylan Smith – Mulgrave by 11 points.

Josh Ward – Mulgrave by 15 points.

Ryan Long – Mulgrave by 5 points.

Division ThreeTeamsDonvalevFerntree GullyLadder1st (17,1)2nd (13,4)FormWWWWWLWDPrevious meetings 202310.6-66R312.13-8510.21-81R1010.2-6214.8-92R1711.14-80

By Dylan Smith

While these two teams have sat comfortably at first and second on the table all season in division 3, it is Donvale who have impressed the most, winning 14 on the bounce since round 3 and putting separation between themselves and the rest of the competition.

The Magpies have had countless positives, the form of young guns Mathew Day, (40 goals) and Kaleb Djordevic as well as the usual suspects James Rausa and Mathew Leardi as consistent as ever and It’ been that balance of youth & experience that has created force of a team in 2023.

In contrast, Ferntree Gully just haven’t had the continuity of their rivals Donvale.

Their best player Lachlan Kennedy (15 goals, 5 games) has been missing since the beginning of June, as has their major ball winner in Luke McComb who injured his shoulder in the Round 10 Match of the Round against Donvale. They’d be proud to have finished the season in second position and able to have a first crack at a grand final but Losses throughout the season to Whitehorse and Warrandyte have highlighted some of the inconsistencies they’ve faced.

The previous two meetings have been close margins in Donvale’s favour but on the stat sheet Donvale have dominated play, in their round 10 clash, they were +27 at clearance but only managed 4.11 from their stoppage work compared to the eagles who kicked 4.0. They won contests around the ground too +18 and had 21 more inside 50’s in a dominant display but couldn’t put it on the scoreboard. Where the Eagles could trouble The Magpies though is their pressure, in round 10 they laid significantly more tackles and had a higher-pressure rating that forced Donvale to turn the ball over on 9 more occasions. If Ferntree Gully can turn these turnovers in to goals it could be a way to get at the rampant Magpies but their ball movement will have to be on.

Given Donvale’s dominance at contest and clearance, Ferntree Gully will have to play out of their skin to get this one done and the availability of those aforementioned players, could be the difference between whether or not they can pull it off. I imagine they’ll be up for it with a grand final spot on the line, but I have to tip the Magpies in this one.

Tips

Dylan Smith – Donvale by 22 points.

Josh Ward – Donvale by 25 points.

Ryan Long  – Donvale by 20 points.

TeamsSilvanvOakleigh DistrictLadder1st (9,8,1)2nd (9,9)FormLWLWWLLWPrevious meetings 202315.13-103R77.8-5013.10-88R148.11-59

It’s set to be a historic Sunday for both Silvan and Oakleigh District who’ll battle it out in a massive do-or-die matchup at Jubilee Park.

Having taken the leap up a division following their premiership last year Trent Martin’s side have surprised many and will now compete in their first ever Division 3 finals series.

With the departure of 100-goal star Kimpton young gun Matthew Low has stepped up with a 58 goal season to sit second in the goalkicking charts.

Many of their premierships stars in Matteo D’Alfonso, Darcy Turnbull and James Charge have also continued on from their superb years in 2022

Their opponents though will also be buoyed in competing in their first EFNL finals series despite having to wait until Saturday evening.

An influx of recruits helped improve the District side led by star forward Zak Bozanich who ended the regular season as the Division’s leading goalkicker with 60.

Playing coach and two-time reigning Chandler Medallist Blake Pearson along with brother Ryan and Simon Hawkins have also been key to putting Oakleigh into finals.

The Cats have the wood over the District, winning both of their matches by 53 and 29 points respectively, the first one being a Match of the Round at Princes Highway Reserve.

But off the back of their respective Round 18 performances as well as the game being played on a much bigger ground the District will give themselves every chance of knocking the Cats off.

Josh Ward’s Tip – Silvan by 4 points.

Ryan Long’s Tip – Sivan by 18 points.

Dylan Smith’s Tip – Silvan by 15 points.

Division FourTeamsChirnside ParkvScoresbyLadder3rd (11,5)4th (10,6)FormWWWWWLLWPrevious meetings 202310.7-67R112.13-8510.11-71R820.13-13315.12-102R1510.12-72

By Josh Ward.

It’s set to be a big ask for Scoresby this Sunday at East Ringwood Reserve when they take on an in-form and rampant Chirnside Park outfit.

Dave Newlands’ side come into finals in much different form than last year’s campaign, winning their last nine games against every side in the division and blowing the premiership race wide open.

Captain Leigh Odermatt, Charlton Clavant and Kallum Harper continue to shine while Samuel King and Paul Hager have also been invaluable alongside Odermatt up forward

The last side to have defeated them was the Magpies back in Round 8 at Scoresby Recreation Reserve by 62 points.

And whilst they’ve defeated Surrey Park since that day, unavailabilities have come back to hurt Craig McKenzie’s side and has seen them drop down to fourth.

Ben Bronsgeest, Dale Hehir and Cooper Frith have had stellar seasons once again for the Magpies, with Brongseest ending the regular season as the third leading goalkicker in the Division.

Chirnside were able to defeat Scoresby last time out at Kimberley Reserve by 30 points, with Scott Dwyer booting five and Odermatt having another Best on Ground performance.

And given the form of both sides heading into finals the Panthers could potentially win by a similar margin, if not bigger.

Tips

Josh Ward – Chirnside Park by 28 points

Ryan Long – Chirnside Park by 35 points

Dylan Smith – Chirnside Park by 48 points

TeamsKilsythvSurrey ParkLadder1st (12,3,1)2nd (11,4,1)FormLWWWWLWWPrevious meetings 20238.17 65R49.11 659.10 64R114.9 333.11 29R1810.11 71

By Josh Ward

Kilsyth and Surrey Park will meet for a second consecutive week, this time on neutral territory and with a spot in the Grand Final up for grabs.

Simon Caldwell’s side have continued to build on their upward trajectory in recent years and earned the club’s first minor premiership in 71 years this season.

Their big-name recruits in Jayden Weichard and Ryan McNay have helped take them to that next level alongside mainstays Sean Currey and Ryan Goodinson.

In recent years they’ve also developed a rivalry with the Panthers who’s win against the Cougars last weekend saw them earn the double chance for a second consecutive year.

With the depth being tested James Kenworthy’s side have had their inconsistencies but have still managed to finish in second after some strong form to end the season.

Nick Kann improved on his first senior year to end the year, with Sam Porter also having a strong debut season alongside the experienced George Haynes & Lachlan Bacon.

The Cougars won in the middle of the season against the Panthers in a Match of the Round at Surrey Park following an early season draw between the two at Pinks Reserve.

And with the Cougars potentially bringing back the likes of Sean Currey & Travis Browning into the lineup this game could have similar bearings to their first meeting of 2023.

Tips

Josh Ward – Surrey Park by 8 points

Ryan Long – Kilsyth by 7 points

Dylan Smith Kilsyth by 24 points

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