Outer East league: Woori Yallock into Premier grand final

Woori Yallock coach Jack Cole has bristled at suggestions his side has a “free hit’’ against hot favourites Narre Warren in the Outer East league Premier grand final.

Woori Yallock coach Jack Cole will steer his side into the grand final against Narre Warren. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Talk of his side having a “free hit’’ against red-hot favourites Narre Warren in the Outer East league Premier grand final at Gembrook this Sunday has been scoffed at by Woori Yallock coach Jack Cole.

“A lot of people say that but, no, I don’t,’’ Cole said.

“It’s not a free hit because we’re in a grand final and we’ve got a premiership to win or lose.’’

Narre Warren has been the outstanding side of the season, winning 16 of its 17 games.

But Woori Yallock is the only side to beat Narre Warren and Cole said the Tigers would approach the flag decider the same way as they did when they toppled the Magpies by nine points in Round 15.

“I’ll try and give the boys confidence that if you’ve done it once you can do it again,’’ Cole said.

“Everyone’s got to play their role, it’s nothing special, like there’s no secret trick to be able to pull out of the hat (or) if we do this we’ll beat Narre.

“We’ve just got to all play our role and do what’s necessary to get the job done.’’

Woori Yallock punched its grand final ticket by holding off a barnstorming Wandin by seven points in the preliminary final at Healesville.

Wandin trailed by 26 points at three-quarter time but surged to within a point of the lead before Woori’s Mitch Arnold was awarded a free kick and slotted the sealer moments before the final siren.

Woori Yallock triumphed 8.9 (57) to 7.8 (50).

Two 16-year-olds were superb for Woori Yallock; Baylin Spencer was the Tigers’ best-afield, while Jak Ryan kicked the first two goals.

Woori Yallock’s Robbie Allen. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Jason Lindgren, Robert Allen, Nick Mende, Luke Boontjes and Joel Smith were also among the best.

For Wandin, Connor Smith, Harrison van Duuren and Cody Hirst impressed.

Woori Yallock’s best midfielder Liam Odea didn’t play in the preliminary because of injury and it is unsure if he will take his place in the grand final.

Woori’s other gun mid Kane Thompson won’t play in the decider because of a partial tear to his ACL.

Meanwhile, Narre Warren and Upwey Tecoma will meet in the reserves grand final.

In the Under 19s grand final, Upwey Tecoma will face Emerald.