Prahran Finals fixture for Sunday August 30
VAFA DIVISION 1 FIRST SEMI-FINAL Sunday August 30
VENUE:
KENNEDY COMMUNITY CENTRE, 94 Tootal Rd, Dingley Village (Hawthorn training centre)
RESERVES 11.40 am Prahran (home team) v St Mary's
SENIORS 2pm Prahran (home team) v Oakleigh
PRAHRAN tuned up for next Sunday's first semi-final with a routine 108 points win over Brunswick at Toorak Park on Saturday.
In a sad reflection of the lop-sided state of the VAFA Division 1 competition four of the five winning teams won by a minimum 100 points.
The Two Blues were always in control and the longer the game went the more their superiority became more apparent.
The one constant this season has been the form of skipper Rory Brodie and he was again the dominant player on the ground adding three goals to his ruck work including a soccer goal that would not have been out of place in the World Cup.
In the absence of premier midfielders Pat Marks and Mackenzie Mayne, Ollie Burke stepped up to the plate.
Coach Ash Lever shared the workload with Ethan Plaza and Tom Selleck getting more on ball exposure.
Jake Stent-Powell (pictured) managed three goals, to be fair it should have been at least five, in his 101st game with his teammates going out of their way to give him a celebration occasion in front of his home ground fans.
As a guide to next week’s contest the formline could best be described as minimal.
The usual suspects in defence Pat Ribbands and Jayden Williams were as reliable as ever while encouraging signs were the return from injury of Tyson Giles who was lively up forward with three goals and Liam Hepburn regaining the touch he showed in the first half of the season before an overseas sojourn.
PRAHRAN 5-2 10-8 13-12 19-16 (130)
Brunswick 2-2 2-2 3-3 3-4 (22)
Goals. Brodie, Stent-Powell, Giles 3, Cook, Bamford, Atkinson 2, Hepburn, Kam, Phimister, Ahern.
Best. Tom Selleck, Rory Brodie, Jake Stent-Powell, Tyson Giles, Peter Ahern, Ethan Plaza
RESERVES
AN ideal prelude to next week’s first semi-final with a 105 point win over Brunswick.
The bonuses were on baller Oscar Pike’s first game since round five following a serious ankle injury while Archie Patterson (five goals) and Gus Perez (four) were on target up forward.
The first semi-final v St Mary’s will be held next Saturday or Sunday with the date and venue to be advised on Monday.
PRAHRAN 5-4 9-8 14-11 19-13 (127)
Brunswick 1-0 2-0 3-0 3-4 (22)
Goals. Patterson 5, Perez 4, Pike 3, Marrows 2, Langtry-Kierce, Pavlou, Devine, Forbes, Morschel.
Angus Perez, Langtry-Kierce, Archie Patterson, Max Howden, Ben Burrows, John Panagiotaros
WOMENS
Two Blue Lions v Old Hailebury – Semi Final
The Two Blue Lions’ season came to an end with a hard-fought semi-final loss to Old Haileybury. In tricky conditions, Old Haileybury adapted better, using their pace and clean ball movement to break the game open. The Two Blue Lions created a number of opportunities throughout the match but, unfortunately, were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard.
Ruth Sheridan provided plenty of drive through the midfield, winning contested ball and helping generate forward momentum. Jasmine Woolhouse was also influential across the wing, taking a number of classy marks and using her neat foot skills to move the ball forward.
Ciara Kelly’s competitiveness and never-say-die attitude were on full display, with her determination and work rate helping to keep the team in the contest right until the end.
The Two Blue Lions never stopped fighting and showed tremendous courage and resilience until the final siren. While it wasn’t the result we were hoping for, there is plenty to celebrate from a season that has seen incredible individual performances, but more importantly, the growth and development of a strong, unified and resilient team.
Every player played their role throughout the season, contributing to a team that has continued to grow in belief and confidence. The Two Blue Lions can be incredibly proud of what they have achieved this season, culminating in a finals berth in their first year together. They head into next season with plenty of confidence, belief and hunger, building on the strong foundations established this year
PRAHRAN-COLLEGIANS 0-1 1-1 2-1 2-1 (13)
Old Hailebury 0-2 1-3 3-5 5-7 (37)
PRAHRAN 0-1 1-1 2-1 2-1 (13)
Old Hailebury 0-2 1-3 3-5 5-7 (37)