EFL 2019: Rowville books its Premier Division finals berth
Rowville faced the prospect of missing EFL Premier Division finals, but a maiden victory at Pat Wright Senior Oval booked the Hawks a top-five berth as they prepare for an elimination final.
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Rowville had spent 16 weeks inside the EFL Premier Division top five.
But on the eve of finals, it faced the prospect of being September spectators.
The Hawks had logged just two wins since Round 11 — against bottom three clubs Doncaster and Montrose — to be in danger of falling out of the five.
A defeat against bogey opponent Noble Park on Saturday could have left John Brown’s side fighting for the right to advance to the elimination final ahead of a difficult Round 18 fixture against Blackburn.
A loss would have opened the door for Norwood to pinch fifth spot as it will start as favourites next weekend against Doncaster.
Instead Rowville will likely face South Croydon in the first week of finals after a maiden victory at Pat Wright Senior Oval.
The 12.7 (79) to 7.9 (51) victory was the Hawks’ first triumph at the Bullring in four attempts.
Brown said defeat would have left his side’s finals prospects in jeopardy.
“We were quite aware with Norwood having an easier Round 18 game than what we’re fixtured for, it was a must-win game in terms of consolidating our finals position,” Brown said.
“The way the results have gone; we can’t move – we’ll finish fourth.
“In terms of earning finals, we’ve certainly done that and we’ve been able to win some big games throughout the season to get us into that position.”
The ex-Noble Park pair of James Gwilt and Ziggie Alwan were instrumental in the win.
Debutant Mav Taylor also kicked two goals to be among the best players in the 12.7 (79) to 7.9 (51) win.
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“Jimmy Gwilt played a really important role for us across the backline, and was certainly best on ground,” Brown said.
“Ziggie Alwan was terrific — played a really strong game.
“Our midfield was really strong again at the source. Anthony Brolic, Ben Giobbi, Alex Frawley — they all had really strong games on-ball and we’re fortunate where we’ve got some talent rolling through our midfield.”
Brown said he would manage the health of his list in the next fortnight.
Mason Crozier, Bailey Morrish, Jayden Cyster, Lachlan McDonald and Aaron Bond are still to return and could be back for the first final.
“The quality of those players alone will add to where we’re at heading into finals,” he said.
“Come finals, if we get a clean bill of health … it puts us in a position where at least we’ve got a bit of strength in our list and numbers.”
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