EFNL 2024: Mitcham with a point to prove in Division 1 grand final, coach Winterton says

It was denied promotion to Eastern’s top division last season despite a stirring grand final victory, but Mitcham is now one win from completing its climb as it looks to prove last year was no flash in the pan.

Mitcham is out to prove last year was no flash in the pan. Picture: Leesa Clarkson

PREMIER Division football awaits the winner as Mitcham prepares to battle Park Orchards with a point to prove.

The Tigers and Sharks will duke it out in the Division 1 grand final at Boronia’s Tormore Reserve this Saturday, with promotion to the Eastern league’s top-flight on the line.

Mitcham coach Neil Winterton, who is shooting for a fourth premiership in eight completed seasons at the club, said the prospect of Premier Division football had driven his group this year.

Despite a stunning upset of unbeaten juggernaut South Belgrave in last year’s Division 1 decider, the Tigers were denied promotion, owing to a league restructure.

Winterton’s players take the field this Saturday to prove they simply didn’t “get a bit lucky” in 2023.

Mitcham coach Neil Winterton. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“There was probably a little bit of doubt, maybe, from some people that last year’s premiership was a bit of a fluke, knocking off an undefeated South Belgrave,” Winterton said.

“The group does want to go up to Premier and that drove us throughout (this year) – we didn’t get that opportunity when we won it last year so we’ve got to try and repeat the dose.

“That’s really hard to do, to have a two-year period where you’re sort of close enough at the top of your game … it’s bloody hard enough winning one, so to be able to do it two years in a row would be a great achievement by the boys.

“Motivation levels probably go down after you win it, but to the boys’ credit, that hasn’t been the case – they’re just as hungry this year.”

Park Orchards, which finished on top of the ladder this season, fell victim to double relegation from Premier Division at the end of 2023, nudged out by South Croydon on percentage despite five wins.

The Sharks would vehemently dispute they didn’t have just as much at stake as the Tigers this Saturday.

“We felt like that was our division and that’s where we belonged,” Park Orchards co-captain Kane Keppel said earlier this year when asked about relegation from the top tier.

“It was a bit frustrating, but we definitely feel like we’ve got something to prove to show we’re up for the best level.”

The grand final will mark Mitcham’s third meeting with Park Orchards in its past four matches.

It stunned South Belgrave in the qualifying final to set up a showdown with the Sharks a fortnight ago, winning through to the decider by 28 points after piling on 8.4 to nil in the last term – having kicked just 2.7 to three-quarter time.

Mitcham holds a slight edge on Park Orchards, 2-1 from three meetings after taking the Sharks down a fortnight ago. Picture: Leesa Clarkson

The pair also met in Round 9 with the Tigers handing the Sharks their only home-and-away loss (67 points), before Park Orchards returned the favour in the final round (69 points).

“We know each other pretty well now … there obviously wasn’t much between us in that first final,” Winterton said.

“They’ve had an outstanding season and we highly respect them.

“We’re going to have to be right at our best, and I think when they beat us in that last game of the year it opened our eyes to the level we need to get to in order to compete with them.

“It’s going to be a formidable challenge.”

Meanwhile, two Tigers are in the mix to return from injury – but a couple of hard luck stories are set to emerge.

Jackson Hallo (adductor) is touted to be ready after he was a “50-50” call for the final a fortnight ago but wasn’t risked, and Guy Laughlin (hamstring) is “pressing really hard to play”.

“It could be the first time all year that we’ve had a full complement of players to pick from,” Winterton said.

“There’s unfortunately going to be two unlucky guys from the last final that will have to make way.

“The worst part about coaching – any time – is dropping players, and come grand final week, it’s not pleasant at all.”

Top-division footy has long been in the club’s sights – with it last competing in Eastern’s premier grade in 2006.

It slid down the divisions but has since climbed its way back with flags in Division 3, 2 and 1.

“It (the top-division) has been probably more so a behind-the-scenes aim between (president) Matt McCubbin, the committee and coaches – myself and Steve Jordan,” Winterton said.

“We had a plan that we put in place back in 2018 I think it was – we sat down and had a look at if we’re going to get back to Premier, we’re going to have to do X, Y and Z.

“Now we’re at that last step and there’s a lot on the line this week to complete that journey.”

EFNL Division 1 grand final: Saturday, September 14 at Tormore Reserve, Boronia at 2.20pm