Outer East league: Emerald ready to serve it up to Titans in Division 1 decider
The Outer East league Division One grand final between Berwick Springs and Emerald shapes as one of the best local deciders of 2023. Here’s why.
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It’s a healthy rivalry, and it’s growing.
Emerald and Berwick Springs are set to clash in this Sunday’s Outer East league Division One grand final — and a spicy encounter is on the cards.
Coming off a thrilling second semi-final, won by Berwick Springs in overtime, this could be one of the best local grand finals of 2023.
“There’s a rivalry there,’’ Emerald coach Sein Clearihan said.
The four meetings between the Bombers and Titans this season have been tight and tough, with plenty of feeling.
“Which is good, I like that,’’ Clearihan said.
“It will be a real crackerjack game. There hasn’t been too much in it.’’
Clearihan added: “They go hard at it.’’
Inspired by vice captain Josh Rich, Emerald earned another crack at the Titans by overpowering Healesville after half-time to win the preliminary final by 25 points on Sunday, 15.15 (105) to 12.8 (80).
Rich capped a best-on-ground display with two goals — “he was phenomenal’’, Clearihan said — while Stevie Paull in the ruck and Michael Richardson at half back were influential.
David Johnson and Callum White kicked three goals apiece, while Joshua Webb, Dale Karacsonyi and Brendan Wilson were also among the Bombers best.
“We spread the work load. That’s what we’ve done all year,’’ Clearihan said.
Emerald got through the game relatively unscathed, although young Jordan Donadel hurt his shoulder.
“We should be pretty much going in as we are,’’ Clearihan said of his side’s likely grand final line-up.
He named Hayden Stagg and Chris Johnson as key players for Berwick Springs.
“And they’ve got (Riley) Hillman coming out of the backline,’’ Clearihan said.
“They’re a pretty polished unit, they’re pretty good.’’
Clearihan said he wants his young side to “lap up’’ grand final week.
“Embrace it, don’t over think it,’’ he said.
“It’s a special week in your life, enjoy it.’’
Berwick Springs will be contesting its first grand final in its third season as a senior club.
Emerald’s last grand final was in 2015 when it won the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League’s Division two flag.
Clearihan said the local community had thrown its support behind the Bombers.
“They’ve come of the woodwork,’’ he said.
“I saw people there yesterday that I’ve never seen before. It’s fantastic, they’re all up and about.’’
Emerald’s seniors, reserves and A grade netball sides will all play in grand finals on Sunday.
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