AFL Yarra Ranges: Yarra Junction moves into the Division 2 grand final after surprising minor premiers Seville
Yarra Junction has taken the first seat in this year’s AFL Yarra Ranges Division 2 grand final after upsetting favourites and minor premiers Seville in the second semi-final at Healesville on Sunday.
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Yarra Junction has taken the first seat in this year’s AFL Yarra Ranges Division 2 grand final after upsetting favourites and minor premiers Seville in the second semi-final at Healesville on Sunday.
After a tight opening, with Yarra Junction ahead by a solitary point at quarter-time, the Eagles took charge and extended their advantage all the way to a 15.16 (106) to 11.9 (75) win.
Yarra Junction coach John Holmes stopped short of saying his side’s win could be labelled ‘an upset’.
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“Seville obviously started favourites,” he said. “But we hade a lot of self-belief and we came away with a really good win.”
Sam Morton booted six goals for the Eagles and Tyson Wheeler three while Jayden Welch, Holmes and Allan Chandler all played a big part in the win.
“It was a pretty even spread (of contributors),” Holmes said. “I think the biggest thing was just the work rate.”
Yarra Junction will now enjoy the week off before tackling the winner of the Seville v Yarra Glen preliminary final in the season-decider at Healesville on Sunday, September 23.
After a tough campaign, it’s a breather that will be put to good use.
“We’ll get our bodies right, then we’ll have a big session on Sunday,” Holmes said. “We’ve got a couple of blokes who we’ll be assessing early in the week but the biggest thing is just getting our bodies right for the big day.
“It’s been a tough last month even getting to the finals.”
Meanwhile, in the first semi-final at Woori Yallock on Sunday, Yarra Glen kept its season alive and sent Gembrook Cockatoo packing with a 12.16 (88) to 10.9 (69) win.
Ross McDermott booted four goals to bankroll the Thunder’s win while Daniel Hurley and James Donald were both important.
For the Brookers Paul Gramc booted five goals and ex-Magpie Tarkyn Lockyer two while former North Melbourne great Michael Firrito was named Gembrook Cockatoo’s best.
Seville will take on Yarra Glen in the preliminary final at Woori Yallock this Sunday
Second Semi-Final (Healesville)
Seville 4.2 6.4 9.6 11.9 (75)
Yarra Junction 4.3 10.5 14.10 15.16 (106)
SEVILLE Goal Kickers: J. Neal 5, N. O’’Keefe 3, J. Fraser 2, B. Penwill Best Players: N. O’’Keefe, S. McDonnell, B. Penwill, M. Cecere, D. Groen, J. Neal
YARRA JUNCTION Goal Kickers: S. Morton 6, T. Wheeler 3, J. Holmes 2, L. McCombe 2, T. Boxell, A. Chandler Best Players: J. Welch, J. Holmes, A. Chandler, L. Hoffman, B. Clark, T. Fennell
First Semi-Final (Woori Yallock)
Yarra Glen 3.5 8.8 9.11 12.16 (88)
Gembrook Cockatoo 3.2 3.3 9.4 10.9 (69)
YARRA GLEN Goal Kickers: R. McDermott 4, J. Clare 2, A. Moate 2, J. Schille, A. Smith, R. Gurney, B. Ashton Best Players: D. Hurley, J. Donald, T. Russell, C. Tait, B. Binion, W. Kristelly
GEMBROOK COCKATOO Goal Kickers: P. Gramc 5, T. Lockyer 2, L. Henzen 2, L. Scott Best Players: M. Firrito, D. Volta, D. Leversha, T. Lockyer, P. Gramc, T. Whytcross
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