SFNL: Doveton is one win away from a second Division 2 grand final in as many years

Doveton coach Michael Cardamone hasn’t basked in his side’s semi final win for long, already looking towards East Brighton. And he feels the Doves have a ‘free shot’ at the Vampires.

Doveton players run out onto the field during the Southern Football Netball League 2023 Division 2 Senior match between Murrumbeena and Doveton Doves at Murrumbeena Park in Murrumbeena, Victoria on July 8, 2023. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Doveton coach Michael Cardamone hasn’t basked in the glory of his side’s semi-final win for long.

The Doves are already looking towards East Brighton.

By defeating Murrumbeena on Saturday, 6.11 (47) to 4.8 (32), the Doves will advance through to face the Vampires for a shot in the Southern league Division 2 grand final.

Saturday’s win came after the Doves lost both encounters to the Lions during the home and away season.

Despite their record, Cardamone says he was confident in the Doves if they were to play their brand of footy.

“We knew they are a good side but we know when we play our best we can beat anyone,” he says.

“We watched that tape pretty closely last week and sort of know how they want to play, they’re fast, want to excite.

“Finals is always that contested game and we think we have the midfield to play finals footy.

“It was a good result for us but we know the jobs not done, that’s only one tick, hopefully two more to go.”

Doveton had both the reserves and seniors in the first semi final. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Doveton is the only side to have beaten East Brighton this season, winning 9.5 (59) to 6.14 (50) in Round 11.

Despite that triumph, Cardamone is aware of the Doves’ status heading in.

“We’re going to be underdogs, there’s no secret about that,” he says.

“They’re the team to beat and everyone has been chasing them but we will do our homework again.

“Finals is a funny thing, they only have to be five per cent off and you at your best and you can scare a few people.

“We play well on this ground (Mordialloc’s Ben Kavanagh Reserve), it’s definitely not going to be an easy task, it’s going to be hard but they have a fair bit to lose.”

East Brighton awaits Doveton. Picture: Hamish Blair

Cardamone, who has already led the Doves to a grand final berth, says his group will throw everything at Nick Jewell’s East Brighton as finals creates an even playing field.

“It’s kind of like a bit of a free shot,” he said.

“East Brighton have been the dominant side all year but you’re here now, it’s one v two.

“This week now doesn’t matter if you finished first, second or third, you’re at this stage.

“It’s an even playing field, they wear red shorts, we wear white shorts, it’s exciting to get into a second semi, the winner gets to go to a grand final and reset, recharge.

“It’s a bloody important game.”

Troy Allen, Jake Ingaliso, Dylan Chapman, Harley Primrose, Matthew Stapleton and Jake Basa were the Doves’ best while Tom Rigby, Aaron Bodin, Samuel Michael and Jacob White were the Lions’ best.

Hampton Park and Highett face off in the Division 2 elimination final on Sunday.