NFL 2018: St Mary’s earns breakthrough finals win over Panton Hill to progress to grand final
ST MARY’S has declared it is primed to make the leap to Northern Football League Division 2 after progressing to the third tier grand final with a convincing semi-final win over Panton Hill.
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ST MARY’S has declared it is primed to make the leap to Northern Football League Division 2 after progressing to the third tier grand final with a convincing semi-final win over Panton Hill.
The Burra produced their maiden senior finals victory at Whittlesea Showgrounds on Saturday, restricting the Redbacks to one goal in the opening half to secure an 8.14 (62) to 5.9 (39) triumph.
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Elated St Mary’s coach Fabian Carelli was effusive in his praise for his side’s defence, highlighting the efforts of Lee Minuz and Joseph Bergman.
“They were sensational. They just rebounded really well and they won their one on ones,” Carelli said.
“We just won the territory battle all day.”
The Burra were the dominant team throughout the home-and-away season, finishing four matches clear at the top of the ladder.
Their class showed through in the crunch moments at the weekend as they thwarted an early onslaught from Panton Hill to establish a matchwinning advantage by halftime.
“I think there was just a really good feeling afterwards to know the monkey is off the back now,” Carelli said.
“We can forge ahead and no one can talk about it anymore which is the really good thing.”
Lachlan Potter, skipper Dillan Ronalds and Leigh Sullivan were outstanding for the victors, who will face either Panton Hill or South Morang in next weekend’s grand final.
“As soon as we took control of the game we put pressure on in all parts of the ground,” Carelli said.
“We just wouldn’t let them back in.”
St Mary’s reserves are also through to the grand final, while the club’s under-19 team missed out on a Division 1 finals berth on percentage.
Carelli declared the Burra were “in a perfect position” to be elevated to Division 2.
“We are, as a club, ready to go up into the next division,” he said.
“I think we’ll be more than competitive if we add a few extras and develop those kids.”
Mitch Anderson and Tim Duckworth stood tall for the Redbacks.
Six goals from teenager Samuel Indian helped South Morang hold on for a 13.11 (89) to 12.12 (84) victory against Laurimar in Sunday’s semi-final.
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