AFL Outer East: Narre Warren set for another grand final showdown with Berwick after preliminary final win over Beaconsfield.

Once again, it will be Narre Warren v Berwick for premiership honours after the Magpies were too strong for Beaconsfield in the preliminary final.

Narre Warren’s Dylan Quirk breaks away from the pack on Saturday Picture: James Ross

For the third year on the trot, Narre Warren and Berwick will do battle in a grand final after the Magpies were too accomplished after halftime in a preliminary final win over Beaconsfield on Saturday.

Though Beaconsfield looked the better side for much of the first half at the Healesville Showgrounds, Narre kicked a couple of goals in the shadows of halftime and the momentum swung, the Magpies eventually saluting 16.5 (101) to 11.11 (77).

Narre will now look for a way to turn the tide against a Berwick outfit that conquered it in the last two SEFNL deciders.

The Eagles looked the goods early. With Scott Meyer dominating the ruck duels and Riley Verbi threatening up forward, they used the wind advantage effectively to kick six opening-quarter goals for a handy lead at the first break.

Narre Warren appeared out of sorts until late in the second term when Liam Myatt hacked a remarkable soccer goal from the forward pocket. Soon after Bradley Scalzo goaled following a free kick and 50m penalty before Trent Cody kicked a running goal from 30m that nudged the Magpies in front at the half.

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Mitchell Cox celebrates a goal for Narre Warren. Picture: James Ross

It was to-and-fro for much of the third term before Peter Gentile lifted Narre Warren spirits when he gathered brilliantly while running backwards with the flight of the ball, spun sharply and hit Lachlan Benson with a pass. A Benson goal was the only fitting result.

Soon after, the ball spilt from a marking contest, Mitchell Cox pouncing on the loose ball and running away to goal. The scales had tipped in the black and white direction.

Turning for home with the wind at its back, Narre Warren would not be denied and stamped its passage to the grand final when Cox picked the pocket of a Beaconsfield defender to find an unmarked Cody before Daniel Jackson marked and goaled from 35m twice in quick succession.

Though Beaconsfield’s Ryan Bromely kicked a goal after an intercept mark and Matt Johnson added another late to narrow the margin, it was to be the Magpies’ day.

“We’re really rapt with yesterday’s result,” coach Matt Shinners said. “To get seniors and reserves into grand finals.

“We didn’t play our best footy in the first half but I think the three goals into a really strong breeze in the first quarter set the tone.

“The second half of the second quarter we started to get things on our terms and it was nice to kick accurately after last week (7.16 against Berwick).

“Our third quarter was really good, to come in three goals up after kicking into the wind. We stepped up the ante a bit and our tackle pressure was really good.”

While lauding a 22-player performance from his team, Shinners praised the effort of Tom Miller and Trent Papworth for his tussle with Meyer that allowed Jake Richardson to drop back as a strong marking defender.

Trent Cody booted four goals for Narre Warren on Saturday. Picture: James Ross

Looking ahead to Berwick this week, Shinners said all players doing their bit would again be the key.

“The last couple of times we’ve played Beaconsfield we’ve had 22 contributors. When we’ve played Berwick, about a third of our side has gone missing.”

Berwick and Narre Warren will do battle in the inaugural AFL Outer East grand final at Pakenham’s Toomuc Reserve this Friday.

AFL Outer East Premier Division Preliminary Final

Narre Warren v Beaconsfield

Healesville Showgrounds (Saturday, September 21)

Narre Warren 3.0 8.1 12.3 16.5 (101)

Beaconsfield 6.3 7.4 9.7 11.11 (77)

NARRE WARREN Goal Kickers: M. Cox 4, T. Cody 4, D. Jackson 3, L. Benson 2, B. Scalzo, L. Myatt, M. Soroczynski Best Players: T. Miller, T. Papworth, M. Cox, T. Cody, J. Zietsman, L. Myatt

BEACONSFIELD Goal Kickers: J. Cameron 2, M. Johnson 2, R. Verbi 2, S. Dwyer, L. Modica, S. Meyer, D. Johnston, R. Bromley Best Players: S. Meyer, S. Dwyer, J. Bowd, R. McMillan, J. Tendler, B. Homfray

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