BY SEAN MORTELL
Banyule outlasted Whittlesea in a tight finish to secure its spot in the Northern Football/Netball League Division 2 Grand Final.
The minor premier ended Whittlesea’s nine-game winning streak in the thrilling second semi final, winning 11.9 (75) to 10.8 (68).
Glorious sunshine met Epping Recreation Reserve as the top two teams battled it out, with the first-placed Bears kicking the last two goals of the game to clinch the win.
Starting strongly against the wind, Banyule went into the first break 10 points ahead, yet couldn’t capitalise on the wind advantage in the second term.
Bears’ full forward James Kroussoratis was impressive in his return, booting two of his four majors in the opening term, which included a set shot goal after the quarter time siren.
Despite Banyule coach Paul Harris urging his players to keep the pressure on, Whittlesea worked its way back into the game through some free-flowing football, reducing the deficit to seven points at the main break.
Xavier Dimasi and Jaron Murphy were both prominent for the Eagles, booting three goals collectively whilst providing great run through the midfield.
Clancy Bland had a great battle with Bears’ full back Devin McDonald, with the Eagle forward booting his second goal to kick off the second half.
From that point on, the game virtually went goal for goal, as a Matthew Atta major after the three-quarter time siren brought the margin back to a solitary point and sent the Whittlesea supporters into raptures.
Whittlesea got in front early in the final quarter through a Blake Watson goal, only for Adam Barclay to sneak out the back and kick a clever major that put Banyule back in the lead.
Just minutes later, Bears’ captain Scott Gumbleton pulled down a terrific mark and followed it up with a banana set shot goal from the boundary to push Banyule clear.
The match was always going to come down to the wire, as an off-the-ball free kick allowed Riley Dyson to boot an easy goal and give the Eagles a chance to secure a grand final berth.
The momentum continued to sway, with Banyule ruckman Tim Martin beginning to gain the ascendancy over Eagles’ big man Nathan Stefanile. A tantalising match up, Martin’s influence allowed Luke Giles to dribble through a wonderful goal.
Chances were missed by both sides in the frantic final minutes, but Kroussoratis burst through a pack and kicked a superb running goal to give Banyule a spot in the big dance.
In his first year as Banyule coach, Paul Harris was rapt with his side’s gripping win.
“I thought it was a really good contest. It was fantastic conditions, the ball moved really well down both ends with the breeze and it provided a really attacking game of footy,” Harris said.
Harris praised Whittlesea’ aggressive approach to the game that allowed both teams to score both with and against the wind.
The Banyule coach remarked on the terrific performance of Jack Langford, who was “great down back” in intercepting Whittlesea’s forward thrusts and rebounding with vigour.
“I also thought Ben Embleton was really good for us, Tim Martin was huge in the ruck,” Harris said. “It was great to have ‘Rata’ (James Kroussoratis) back too, he kicked four and that last goal was pretty handy for us.”
Banyule defender Devin McDonald was over the moon to overcome the Eagles in his 100th game for the club.
“It was a great game, trading leads the whole match,” he said. “I’m just glad we came away with the win.”
McDonald also commended Jack Langford’s defensive performance. “Langers was huge down back – him coming across crashing packs was huge for us,” he said.
Banyule now looks forward to a grand final in two weeks’ time, a mighty effort in just its second season in second division.
Final score: Banyule 11.9 (75) def Whittlesea 10.8 (68)
BANYULE
GOALS: J. Kroussoratis 4, A. Cabdi, M. Johnston, A. Barclay, R. Blackmore-Moore, R. Loton, S. Gumbleton, L. Giles
BEST: R. Blackmore-Moore, J. Langford, T. Martin, J. Kroussoratis, B. Stanton, D. Kelly
WHITTLESEA
GOALS: C. Bland 2, J. Murphy 2, B. Watson 2, X. Dimasi, M. Andrews, M. Atta, R. Dyson
BEST: X. Dimasi, J. Murphy, M. Atta, P. Higgins, N. Stefanile, M. Andrews
