EFNL Division 3: Oakleigh District to contest first finals series since 2016

Oakleigh District endured a winless campaign last season with several triple-figure losses – but will contest its first finals series in years this weekend.

The drought is over.

Oakleigh District will contest finals for the first time since 2016 following a bumper last Saturday of the Division 3 season – sealing the deal with a 35-point win over Warrandyte under lights.

Entering the round clinging to fourth spot, the Oaks were faced with a cut-throat clash on Saturday night after a resurgent Fairpark had upset Silvan earlier in the day to keep its finals dream alive.

The equation was simple for Oakleigh District by 6pm Saturday – win and book a spot; lose and Fairpark punches its finals ticket.

The end result? A finals berth, finishing two points ahead of the Lions.

It’s been a long way back for the Oaks, who tasted victory just twice from 2019 to ‘21.

They went winless from 18 matches through their inaugural Eastern league campaign in 2022 after crossing from the Southern league.

Enduring an average losing margin of 136 points which included losses by 150 points or more on eight occasions, the club was relegated from Division 2 at the end of last year.

It broke through for its first senior win since Round 4, 2021 in this year’s season-opener.

Oaks coach Blake Pearson. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Oakleigh District playing-coach Blake Pearson – appointed ahead of this season – couldn’t be prouder of his club’s rise, aided by a host of recruits.

“The turnaround that the club’s had in the last 12 months has been astronomical in a way,” Pearson said.

“To be a part of that and to be leading the club as coach is really rewarding for me, especially in my first year.

“Being able to play finals from where we’ve come from is hugely rewarding.”

The Oaks took control from the second term in Saturday night’s 13.15 (93) to 8.10 (58) win – turning a 12-point quarter-time lead into 29 at the main break.

By the last change they looked all but certain to snap the seven-year finals wait, commanding the contest by 40 points.

Pearson highlighted D’Arcy Grant’s performance in his move from the wing to half-back alongside Nathan Peddle who also stood out in defence.

Meanwhile Liam Cogan lit it up on the wing as Ryan Pearson was influential through the midfield.

D'Arcy Grant finished best on ground on Saturday night. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“It (Fairpark’s win) certainly made it a bit nerve-wracking but we came out really well in that first quarter … as soon as we ran onto the ground I knew we were on for the contest, and that translated into our performance,” Pearson said.

Spearhead Zak Bozanich sewed up the Division 3 goalkicking crown, kicking four on Saturday night to finish the season on 60 majors – edging Silvan’s Matt Low, 58.

“It’s really well deserved,” Pearson said of Bozanich.

“He’s kicked 60 goals for the year now and he’s probably had 35, 40 behinds as well.

“He’s been huge for us up forward and he’s definitely the best forward in the comp and he’s certainly the best contested mark.

“To be able to have him that you can look to, and just kick it in his area knowing he’s probably going to mark it or bring it to ground is huge for our half-forwards and mids.”

Oakleigh District meets third-placed Silvan in a semi-final this Sunday at Ringwood’s Jubilee Park.

The Cats are coming off a 70-point drubbing to Fairpark.

“Fairpark gave us a little bit of a blueprint of how we can beat them (Silvan) and stop them, which for me as coach was the most pleasing thing,” Pearson said.

Meanwhile, minor premier Donvale meets Ferntree Gully (second) on Saturday for a spot in the Division 3 grand final.