South Morang wins epic NFNL Division 2 final in extra-time over Diamond Creek
If this is a preview of NFNL Division 2 finals, hold on to your hat. Josh Lansfield lifts South Morang to a epic extra-time win over Diamond Creek.
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If this is a preview of this year’s NFNL Division 2 finals series, hold on to your hats.
South Morang and Diamond Creek played out one of the all-time classic finals on Saturday, taking their qualifying final to extra-time.
Locked at 67 apiece after four quarters, Josh Lansfield kicked the only goal in the two three-minute halves of over-time, enough to claim victory for the Lions, 10.13 (73) to 10.7 (67).
South Morang had led by 24 points just before half-time before the Creekers stormed back into the game, briefly taking the lead early in the final term.
A see-sawing finale saw the two premiership contenders trade goals and Ben Majors’ stunning 55m goal with just minutes remaining tied the scores.
However, Lansfield’s major was the only score of extra-time.
Lions coach Gary Hall said extra-time was a new experience for everybody.
“It was a cliffhanger that’s for sure,” Hall said.
“It was the first time for everyone, no one knew what was happening to start.
“Josh kicked the goal late in the first half and then we swapped ends.
“They had the wind and as you can imagine, there’s 36 blokes down there, and we luckily held on in the end.”
Captain Tye Hall, Josh D’Intinosante, Liam Jolly, Deacon Kalpakis, James Traianou and Teague van Zwienen were six critical inclusions for South Morang.
D’Intinosante booted a match-high five goals and Jolly was named best-on-ground.
The Lions held an 11-point lead at quarter-time and would kick four unanswered goals to push the margin closer to five goals.
However, Tom Baird kicked truly just before half-time to give Diamond Creek hope.
The Creekers would kick five of the next six goals to snatch the lead early in the final quarter before D’Intinosante put the Lions back on top.
Jacob Booth would level the scores approaching time-on and Koby Davies looked to have sealed the win only for Majors to step up with a booming kick from long range to force extra-time.
“We set the game up in the first half, our first quarter into the wind was really good,” Hall said.
“We know how good Diamond Creek’s defence is, it’s rock solid, so the first quarter was good and then as all finals are, the one who makes the fewer mistakes wins the game.
“We controlled the game for most of the day but bad kicking (let us down), it was tricky conditions with a swirly wind.”
In his first senior game since Round 2, Jolly was outstanding in the ruck and around the ground to earn best-on honours.
Lansfield, Teague and Kobe van Zwienen, D’Intinosante and Adam De Propertis were also important contributors.
“It was probably the strongest side we’ve had since Round 1, apart from Nathan Stefanile and he’ll be available next week,” Hall said.
“Liam has been injured most of the year and we’ve really missed him because he’s a big game player.
“For him to come in on two games back and play the way he did was fantastic.
“Our backline has always been solid and then with Teague coming in this year, he’s been great and had a great game (on Saturday).
“He’s blended in really well and can take a tall or small so is a great match-up and obviously with the twin towers – the Kalpakis brothers – it helps a lot.”
For Diamond Creek, Jacob Booth was best, together with Jack Empey, Major and Brenton Keating.
The win earns South Morang a semi-final clash with Whittlesea and a shot at the grand final.
The Eagles claimed both matches this year, winning by seven points at Mill Park Lakes in Round 7 and 23 points at Kilmore’s Clancy Reserve in Round 16.
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However, Hall was confident of an upset.
“It’s been heading this way for weeks, the top three sides, I don’t think there’s much between us,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s not a draw at the end of the game again but we’re expecting another tight one, that’s what we’re here for.”
Diamond Creek will face the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between Lower Plenty and Thomastown in a semi-final next week.
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