By Josh Ward.
Surrey Park have locked in a date with Donvale on Grand Final day with a 47-point victory over Knox in the Division Three Preliminary Final.
The Panthers put in a four quarter effort, keeping Knox to just one goal on their way to a 9.15 (69) to 1.16 (22).
It’s a third grand final appearance in a row for Surrey Park as well as their first in Division 3 in what is the club’s first season in the division.
For Steve Buckle and his troops, a terrific season comes to an end with this year seeing the side make their first finals appearance and win their first final since their last premiership in 2017.
Panthers Defender George Haynes led from the front all day long, keeping Harrison Greaves goalless and quelling his influence inside Knox’s forward 50. Chris Tsatas was also at his intercepting best.
Chris Allison and Kane Henden also fought hard all day in midfield alongside Callum Garvin on a wing. Tadan Vitacca and Tom Smith provided some spark and composure in midfield and up forward.
Knox’s Mitch Greaves had another strong outing, particularly in the final three quarters where his intercepting game played a key role in restricting Surrey’s attack in quarters two and three.
He was well supported by Tom Weir once again in defence and Gavin Pears who fought tooth and nail in midfield for the full four quarters.
Kicking with a handy breeze in the opening quarter, the Falcons got off to the better start, scoring the first goal of the game inside the first five minutes.
Surrey Park didn’t allow them many other easy opportunities on goal though and in turn gained more territory than Knox, kicking two goals in the term to lead by two points at the first break.
With the wind picking up and becoming trickier to navigate to start the second term, the Panthers took advantage of it and began dominating the territory battle.
They kicked one goal and five behinds in the second term but still held a handy 13 point buffer heading into the main break.
Much like the first, Surrey’s defence didn’t allow many easy opportunities on goal for Knox in the third, with some shots often fading due to the wind.
In turn the Panthers were unable to take advantage of their opportunities until a Tom Smith goal late in the piece saw their lead extended to three goals heading into the last.
James Kenworthy’s men were able to put their foot to the pedal in the opening 10 minutes of the final term, kicking three goals in that period to all but secure another preliminary final victory.
They put the cherry on top with two goals right before time on as they continued their march to the Division 3 Grand Final against reigning premiers Donvale.
