Outer East league: Alexandra’s flag dream alive after winning through to Division 2 grand final

The small town of Alexandra is in the grip of grand final fever after its football team won through to its first flag decider in 15 years in Outer East league.

Into the big dance: Alexandra players celebrate making the grand final. Picture: Michelle Jack

Alexandra last played off in a grand final in 2008, when it hoisted the premiership flag.

All these years later, the Rebels are in the big dance once again after dispatching Warburton Millgrove by 31 points in the Outer East league Division 2 second semi final on Saturday.

The club will chase its 15th senior premiership when it contests the grand final at Yarra Glen on Saturday, September 2.

“There was a lot on the line so to be able to get the win and get straight through was good,” Alexandra coach Nick Wal said.

“To know that you’re there means that you can start planning ahead and get things moving in the right direction.“

Alexandra players celebrate a goal on Saturday. Picture: Michelle Jack

After an even first half, the Rebels kicked five goals to one after half-time to win 9.16 (70) to 5.9 (39).

Ryan Lucas and Mitch Parker were instrumental in the middle in the heavy and slippery conditions at Woori Yallock.

They cracked in to get the job done.

Up forward Ted Watkins looked dangerous and slotted three goals while Brayden Norris was also influential.

Lucas O’Sullivan and Taylor Kleinschmidt were also in the Rebels’ best.

For Warburton Millgrove, Tyson Henry, Dale Morris and Trent Elliott, who kicked two goals, tried hard.

Wal said Alexandra’s celebrations were “happy but quite muted”.

“We’ve still got a job to do in a couple of weeks,” he said.

“I always make sure I say to the guys, ‘enjoy every win you get because you don’t know when the next one is coming, but make sure we switch on and start to recover’.”

There are only three players from Alexandra’s 2008 flag still running around at the club — Lachie Collard, Sam Kidd and Tom McKinlay.

Alexandra battles it out with Warburton Millgrove. Picture: Michelle Jack

Alexandra’s Ryley Norris (No. 22) celebrates a goal. Picture: Michelle Jack

Wal says it won’t be easy winning the flag; he has great respect for Warburton Millgrove and Powelltown, who face off in next weekend’s preliminary final.

“The results have been split between the three teams all year. We’ve beaten Powelly, they’ve beaten us, we’ve beaten Warburton, they’ve beaten us,“ he said.

“But we’ve been able to build a bit of momentum leading into finals and we’ve been able to beat the other two in the last two rounds of the year.

“To be able to build a bit of belief has really given us a bit of a leg up into the finals so it’s been good.”

Wal said the Rebels were “still evolving”, with key players Will Stewart and Harry Kelly a chance to bolster the grand final side.

“Yesterday was probably the first we’ve started to get what might be our best side on the park,” he said.

“Selection is going to be tough. When you take the job on sometimes you don’t think you’re going to have to make those calls but it’s good to be in a position where you have to.”

Alexandra players celebrate making the grand final. Picture: Michelle Jack

Wal said Alexandra footy club was bursting with energy.

“The club’s going through a bit of a good time at the moment with the junior sides also having success,” he said.

“The 12s and 14s are through to the grand final and the 16s are in a prelim next week to make the grand final.

“It’s a good time, there’s a lot of energy around the club, it’s pretty vibrant, happy, it’s great. For such a small club they do punch above their weight in junior leagues.”

In the first semi-final, reigning premiers Powelltown thrashed Yarra Glen by 118 points, 22.16 (148) to 3.12 (30).

Michael Fowkes kicked five goals, and Russell Cowan and Joel Perry three apiece.

Gary Conyers, Chris Moreland and Russell Mccrimmon were also pivotal in the win.