A clash of monumental proportions at Pertaringa as Gullies take on the all conquering Sacred Heart OC for a place in the big dance. While Old Ignatians are the giant killers and take on the Henley Sharks to see who remains alive in 2020
By Justin Gerschwitz

Qualifying Final: Sacred Heart OC 8.11-59 defeated Henley 7.16-58 by one point at Henley Memorial Oval
Sacred Heart OC held strong late to come away one-point victors against Henley in a nail-biting qualifying final. Not much could separate the sides in the first half as they went back and forth in testing conditions with Henley leading the way by just two points heading into the half-time break. The third quarter saw Sacred Heart OC come out firing. Sacred Heart put on three goals to Henley’s one in the third term to create some much-needed separation come the three-quarter-time siren. Once again, the tide turned in the last quarter with Henley dominating play but failing to capitalise where it mattered most, on the scoreboard. Henley booted home 2.8 in the final term which saw them fall just short and ensure Sacred Heart OC advance to face-off against Tea Tree Gully for a spot in the grand final. Oscar Lovelock led the goal scorers for Sacred Heart OC with two to his name while Jarred Shattock played one of his best games of the season to run away with best-on-ground honours for the Hearts. Jackson Smith made his mark up forward for Henley with an impressive three-goal haul in difficult conditions as his teammate Nathan Bowles impressed in a classy performance. Henley will now play Old Ignatians at Henley Memorial Oval in a do-or-die semi-final this Saturday.

Elimination Final: Old Ignatians 14.16-100 defeated Broadview 10.7-67 by 33 points at Park 25
Old Ignatians continued their late-season form with a convincing 33-point win over Broadview. Setting the tone from the beginning, Old Ignatians ran out to an early lead by 15 points at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter saw more of the same as Broadview had no answer to quell Old Ignatians’ dominant forwards with Old Ignatians holding a convincing 34-point lead at the main break. Broadview found their rhythm in the third quarter and responded in a big way. Broadview kicked home five goals for the quarter whilst keeping Old Ignatians goalless and it was shaped perfectly for an exciting final quarter. However, Old Ignatians had other ideas and responded as the good sides do. Old Ignatians shutout Broadview in the last quarter, returning the favour to keep them goalless for the term and kicking home four goals of their own to pull away comfortable winners. Bradley Jones and Cameron Ortlepp led the way for Old Ignatians with three goals each and Matthew Brunoli stepped up in one of his best games of the season to garner best-on-ground. Jack Fergus again played a crucial role up forward for Broadview with a two-goal effort while Ryan Falcione was best afield for his side in a losing effort. Old Ignatians will live to fight another day as they are set to face off against Henley in a must-win semi final clash. Broadview had their chances but will be pleased with a solid season and look ahead to next year where they will be looking to contend once again for the Division 2 premiership.

Finals Week 2 Preview – Saturday September 19, 2:15PM

Semi Final 1: Henley vs Old Ignatians at Henley Memorial Oval

Old Ignatians are coming off seven consecutive wins and it is hard to argue their run of form. Round 8 saw Old Ignatians defeat Henley comfortably by 24 points, albeit on their home ground. Will this result be a sign of things to come? Henley have not been convincing beyond their undefeated start to the season and will need everything they have got to win this one. Playing at Henley Memorial Oval should prove a whole different challenge for Old Ignatians, but I think they are up for it. Old Ignatians by nine points.

Semi Final 2: Tea Tree Gully vs Sacred Heart OC at Pertaringa Oval

Tea Tree Gully go into this match with the all-important home-ground advantage. However, Sacred Heart OC have arguably been the form team of the competition in the back half of the season and will ensure the contest will go down to the wire. Sacred Heart did get the better of Tea Tree Gully in their clash earlier this season at Pertaringa Oval as they won by 37 points, but finals is a whole different game and this one really could go either way. Sacred Heart OC by five points.

 

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