Old Paradians claim maiden Northern league finals victory against Mernda

Old Paradians earned itself a shot at a grand final berth as its dream Northern league debut continued with a stirring qualifying final win over Mernda.

Old Paradians are through to a major semi-final. Picture: Andy Brownbill

First final, first win, no worries for Old Paradians.

Not exactly but the Raiders dream Northern league debut season continued on Saturday with a stirring eight-point qualifying final victory over Mernda at Lalor Reserve.

The league newcomers looked to be cruising, 22 points up at three-quarter-time, before the Demons roared home to almost snatch the win.

The 14.8 (92) to 12.12 (84) triumph sets up a major semi-final clash with minor premier Fitzroy Stars and a shot at the Division 3 grand final.

Paradians’ experience came to the fore on the big stage.

Joel Tolli gets a kick for Old Paradians. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Marcus Nolan chases down Jayden Bell. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Sam Gilmore returned after two weeks out, Mitch Merkel booted a game-high four goals and skipper Marcus Nolan was inspirational.

Coach Ben Turner said it was a ride the club hoped wouldn’t end.

“It’s wonderful, we started a journey at the start of the season and didn’t really know where we were in the competition,” Turner said.

“I wasn’t really sure what the outcome was going to be (on Saturday) but I’ve learned this group has a fair bit of grit and resolve and we’re very satisfied with the victory.

“It was goal-for-goal for most of the day but Mernda kicked late, so there were a few nerve-racking moments for players, coaches and supporters, so we were very grateful when the siren went.

“Obviously we’re pretty pumped with the season we’ve had but we’ve got a great opportunity in front of us, so we’re certainly not here to make up numbers.

“We’re enjoying the ride we’ve been on this season and who knows where it takes us.”

A five-goal opening term saw Old Paradians take a 12-point lead into quarter-time and the margin extended to 18 points at the half.

Mitch Merkel celebrates a goal for Old Paradians. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mernda’s Billy Morrison jumps against Sam Gilmore of Old Paradians. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mernda started to take control in the second half but couldn’t convert it to scoreboard pressure, finishing with 6.9 to 5.5 after half-time.

Joel Tolli was best-on-ground in the win, while Nolan, Merkel, Gilmore, Kyle O’Sullivan and Blair Healy impressed.

Merkel finished with four majors, while Lewis Franz overcame a dislocated finger to boot three.

“The boys that played well were certainly our core group and experienced heads,” Turner said.

“Someone like Marcus Nolan, the captain of the club and five-time best-and-fairest, he had a wonderful game.

“Joel had a few weeks overseas in the middle of the season and has taken a while to get going again but his last few weeks have been really good.

“Then to have the benefit of a player like Sam and Sam’s experience come back in come finals time is crucial for us and he was wonderful.”

For Mernda, Jayden Bell was best afield and Chris Roussos, Nathan Baccega and Riley Black stood tall.

Matt Bawden booted three goals.

The Demons will be sweating on the fitness of young gun Lincoln Coffey who hobbled off in the second quarter.

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DIV 3: HISTORIC FIRST TO FUEL FITZROY STARS FLAG PUSH

Mernda will face the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Old Eltham Collegians and Epping.

Old Paradians and Fitzroy Stars split the season series 1-1, the Raiders taking a 22-point win at home in Round 3 and the Stars returning the favour by 53 points in Round 13.

“It’s an exciting match-up for both clubs and an opportunity to get through to a grand final,” Turner said.

“Last time we played they comfortably beat us but that was a game which we had a number of players unavailable.”