End of the road for Sorrento and star Troy Schwarze as Somerville powers into the Nepean league grand final

SOMERVILLE is on the brink of snapping a 29-year premiership drought after beating Sorrento in the preliminary final.

Pictured is action during the Nepean Football Netball League seniors Preliminary Final of Australian Rules Football between Somerville (blue and yellow with blue shorts) versus Sorrento (red and white with red shorts) at Bunguyan Reserve in Tyabb. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

SOMERVILLE coach David Hirst believes his side has the momentum, talent and hunger to turn the tables on Rosebud and snap a 29-year premiership drought when the Eagles and Buds square off in the Nepean league grand final at Frankston Park this Saturday.

“It’s a great opportunity,’’ Hirst said.

“They (Rosebud) have had the wood on us this year – they’ve beaten us three times – but it means nothing now. We’re going into a grand final and anything can happen.’’

Rosebud will be playing in its first grand final in eight years.

Somerville booked its spot in the flag decider with a rousing 18-point win over defending champs Sorrento in Saturday’s preliminary final at Tyabb.

The Eagles refused to buckle as a surging Sorrento closed within a point at three quarter-time.

In a tense final quarter, Somerville dug deep to outscore Sorrento 3.5 to 1.1 to win 11.22 (88) to 10.10 (70) win.

Sorrento’s Jonathon Croad cuts a forlorn figure after the Sharks lost to Somerville. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

Todd Farrelly, Tom Shaw (three goals), Rowan Hogenbirk and Scott Simpson were key figures for the Eagles.

“The boys are absolutely ecstatic with that win today,’’ Hirst said. “We had 33 scoring shots to 20. We probably should have beaten them by more but we are happy just getting the job done.’’

For Sorrento, it was the end of the road – on two counts.

The Sharks’ run of seven consecutive grand finals was over – as was the career of champion playing-coach Troy Schwarze, who retired.

He was very emotional in the rooms after the game.

“I’m finished,’’ Schwarze said.

“I was a bit emotional about that and also because I’ve played so much with all those boys. Some of them I feel like a dad to.’’

Schwarze said his Sharks “didn’t play very well’’ but at the same time conceded Somerville was the better side.

“I am always proud of the boys’ effort,’’ Schwarze said. “They gave that which they always give. We had our chances.’’

Sorrento’s Guy Stringer and Somerville’s Scott Simpson compete in the ruck. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

Somerville’s last senior flag was in 1986, coached by former St Kilda champion Gary Colling.

“I wasn’t even born,’’ Hirst said.

“I was born in ’88. We have great supporters, mate – they are the best supporters in the comp. They will flock down to Frankston Park next week and hopefully get us over the line.’’

Somerville has won 14 of its 19 games this season and Hirst says the club is young, vibrant and hungry for success.

“It’s a fantastic place to be to be honest. Everyone’s on board. We’ve got the ingredients to win it not only this year but the next couple,’’ he said.

Somerville’s reserves will also play off for a premiership.

Saturday, Frankston Park: Grand final: Rosebud v Somerville.

Reserves: Somerville v Devon Meadows.

Under 19s: Rosebud v Dromana.

ROSEBUD SEASON DETAILS: Record: 14 wins, 3 losses. Last loss: Round 11 v Sorrento. Won 6 in a row. Leading goal kickers: Thomas Baker 59, Keegan Downie 41, Jason Bristow 22, Lachlan Armstrong 21, Robert Forrest 21. Last Premiership 2007.

SOMERVILLE SEASON DETAILS:

Record: 14 wins, 5 losses. Last loss: Second Semi Final v Rosebud.

Leading Goal Kickers: Thomas Shaw 40, David Hirst 27, Rowan Hogenbirk 22, Luke Rowe 19, Jed Sutton 18. Last Premiership 1986 (longest drought in league at the moment, 29 years).

*The teams have met three times this season: Round 6, Rosebud 9.15 (69) d Somerville 7.16 (58) (Somerville Reserve). Round 13, Rosebud 9.12 (66) d Somerville 9.7 (61) (Olympic Oval). Second Semi Final, Rosebud 10.17 77 d Somerville 9.7 61 (RJ Rowley Reserve).