OEFN Premier Division: Why it was crucial for Olinda Ferny Creek to win a final

A Matthew Scharenberg masterclass has fired Olinda Ferny Creek to victory in an Outer East league Premier Division final.

Former AFL-Pie Matthew Scharenberg was best-on-ground for Olinda Ferny Creek on Saturday. picture: (AAP Image/Michael Dodge)

Quietly, Olinda Ferny Creek coach Dylan Wilson had set a lofty goal for his young side.

He felt the Bloods were “top three or top four’’ material.

But for that to be realised, they needed to win a final in OEFN Premier Division this season.

On Saturday, the goal was ticked off when Olinda Ferny Creek dug deep to defeat Upwey Tecoma in an elimination final, 8.9 (57) to 7.5 (47).

A best-on-ground display by former Collingwood defender Matthew Scharenberg, who played his best game of the season, was pivotal in the victory.

“Really satisfying,” Wilson said.

“It was just good to see the boys enjoy themselves so much.”

Ned Ford.

Francis Seal.

Bursting with potential and youth, Olinda Ferny Creek proved itself in the pressure of a final.

That was important, Wilson said.

“Right from the start of the season I always thought we could be one of the better sides,” he said.

“At the start of the year I was thinking we should be up around the top three, top four mark.

“So it feels like now we’ve fulfilled that expectation which is good.

“But in the next couple of years, with time together and consistency with the approach, I think we can jump even higher.”

Wilson was quick to add: “And obviously this year is not finished yet. We go into next week with a lot of freedom just to play our game and see what we can do when we play it well.”

Olinda Ferny Creek will face reigning premiers Wandin in the first semi-final this weekend.

The Bloods had seven different goal kickers as they clawed their way to a gritty win over Upwey.

Captain Lachlan Taylor kicked two goals while the experienced Patrick Rosier stood up big time.

Youngsters Francis Seal and Patrick Seymour also were vital, and Ethan Greenall starred.

“We’ve got a lot of young kids…I’m not sure how many of them would have even played a senior final let alone win one, so it will be a formative experience moving into the next couple of years for sure,’’ Wilson said.

“Matt Scharenberg played his best game for the year and in the last quarter in particular he was sensational.

“Our experienced players really stepped up, Patty Rosier was sensational. And the young guys were terrific. We’ve been trying to work on consistency and maturity and I thought there were a lot of adjustments in the four quarters that they made out there which really impressed me. Overall I thought it was a really mature win which was a great sign.”

So, is Olinda a chance against the might of Wandin?

“Absolutely,” Wilson said.

“I think our best football is as good as anyone’s.

“And anything can happen in finals, so we go out there with a really free mind and see what we can do.”

In the other elimination final, Wandin coasted to a 35-point win over Mr Evelyn, 11.11 (77) to 5.12 (42), with Harrison van Duuren, Chayce Black, Aaron Mullett, Patrick Hodgett, Sam Mutsaers and Clinton Johnson in mint form.