Flagstaff Hill will battle Noarlunga in SFL grand final after edging out the Saints in Saturday’s prelim
The Falcons are aiming to claim a fourth successive flag but will enter this year’s grand final as underdogs as they take on the undefeated Shoes.
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Flagstaff Hill coach Darren Vanzetta says his side’s nailbiting Southern Football League preliminary final victory against Christies Beach might be the perfect preparation for a tough grand final.
The Falcons edged out the Saints 13.12 (90) to 12.8 (80) in a heart-stopping finish at Old Noarlunga on Saturday.
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Flagstaff Hill’s victory helped the side secure a chance to win a fourth flag in a row but it will have to beat the highly fancied Noarlunga.
Flaggies captain David Kearsley and Sam Tharaldsen led from the front.
Daniel Webb kicked four goals, while Sam Smith bagged three majors.
Vanzetta hoped the tough preliminary final would benefit his players.
“In a way it was good to see our young boys under pressure,’’ Vanzetta said.
“It was a really good game and really tight.
“I thought we were a bit off at times but all credit to Christies, they really came to play.
“We had some sore and tired players after the game but we will recover well and be ready for a big game against Noarlunga.’’
The Falcons’ Max Renfrey, who pulled up with a couple of niggling injuries, led the way with a strong game against Blake Carter.
Josiah Sheppard, Michael Mazey and Shaun King battled hard for Christies Beach.
The match was also the end of co-coaches’ Neil Reeve and Jacob Crate’s reign.
But both were expected to line-up with Christies as players again next year
Reeve said the side had given its all and looked forward to the team continuing its improvement under a new coaching model.
While it was a disappointing end for the Saints’ A grade their B grade is into the grand final after an amazing extra-time, one-point victory against Flaggies.