EFNL Division 2: Mulgrave to embark on first finals series since 2014

Only two of Mulgrave’s current group played in its last senior final almost a decade ago, with the club set for a cut-throat bout on Sunday ...

ONLY two of Mulgrave’s current crop played in the club’s last senior final.

And with the Lions embarking on their first finals campaign since 2014, club greats Adam Booth and Dean Siakoulis will again feature as they did nine years ago; this time against Heathmont in a Division 2 elimination bout on Sunday.

Mulgrave senior coach Matt Richards said this week’s occasion wasn’t lost on the club nor the playing group – most of which have never played a top-flight final.

Adam Booth played in the club’s last final in 2014; and its last senior flag in 2010. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“You can just see the excitement all around the club having all three teams in finals – there’s just a huge buzz,” he said.

“A lot of guys haven’t played in finals, so it’s just massive – we just knuckle down now.

“It’s going to be a really exciting week on the track … today’s normally ‘Mad Monday’ I suppose, but they’re all at work and getting themselves right.”

Dean Siakoulis hunts the pill. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Current captain Sam Kassianou was emerging as one of the club’s future stars back in 2014 – but was injured for the last post-season appearance – a losing Division 2 preliminary final to Croydon.

Richards said the Lions could also draw on the experience of Western Bulldogs 2016 premiership player Fletcher Roberts, who knows a thing or two about winning cut-throat finals.

Roberts crossed to Mulgrave ahead of this season and has consistently been among the Lions’ best, kicking 44 goals from 14 matches – ranked equal-fourth in the division.

Fletcher Roberts celebrates the 2016 AFL premiership. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“There’s a little bit of a joke at the moment – we talk about those guys, but there’s a certain bloke at the club by the name of Fletcher Roberts who played in a big one,” Richards said.

“If there’s anyone who can guide the boys (it’s him) – he’s a huge part of our club.”

The Lions trumped Heathmont by 31 points a fortnight ago.

While under no illusions it could be a different Jets outfit to the pair’s last outing, Richards said his charges had been on the march in the run home to secure fifth spot.

“They (Heathmont) spoke heavily about the injury toll after the game, so I’m not 100 per cent sure how many players they’ve had come back,” Richards said.

“But we just have to worry about ourselves, get our best 22 out there and just stick to our plan and hopefully it can all fall into place for us.

“What we’ve been through the last probably seven games is we’ve had to win every game – they’ve been mini eliminations every week (and) it’s in our hands.”

Mulgrave meets Heathmont (fourth) on Sunday, August 20 at Mitcham’s Walker Park.