Thomastown locks up fourth, NFL Division 2 finals berth despite loss
Despite going down to Whittlesea, Thomastown secured fourth and a second straight NFL Division 2 finals berth thanks to St Mary’s upset win over Diamond Creek.
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Thomastown interim coach Scott Plant says securing a finals berth despite an 11-point loss to Whittlesea was “bittersweet”.
The Bears locked up fourth spot and a second straight NFL Division 2 finals appearance thanks to St Mary’s upset win over Diamond Creek.
“It was a bit of a surprise, I wasn’t paying too much attention during our game obviously, I was hoping we could have got the job done ourselves,” he said.
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“To get the news after the game was pleasing but also a little bit bittersweet. We’re in the finals, so we’ll take it.”
Daniel Chadwick was the Bears’ best in defeat while Brayden Plant and Josh Beare both kicked three goals.
Thomastown has dropped both games to Whittlesea by under two goals after a nine-point defeat in Round 9.
Despite the 11.13 (79) to 10.8 (68) result, Plant said his team wasn’t far away from challenging the top three teams if it can find top gear.
“The boys were disappointed, we didn’t play our best footy but the pleasing thing was we weren’t far away on the scoreboard not playing anywhere near our best,” he said.
“To go into finals playing Whittlesea and Banyule is the perfect preparation.
“My message to the boys after the game was we’re not looking to rest, we still want to win games of footy, and take some momentum into finals.”
Thomastown will face Banyule in the final round of the home-and-away season looking to avenge a heart-breaking four-point loss to the Bears after the siren in Round 7.
An elimination final against Eltham at Whittlesea Showgrounds on Sunday, September 1 will follow.
“It will be Eltham and they’ve got a hold of us both times,” Plant said.
“We’ve got to find a way to play our best footy because we didn’t play anywhere near our best against them.”
Plant took the top job at Thomastown after Ben Chapman was moved on.
However, he wouldn’t be rushing into any decision on his future.
“I won’t be making anything official until the end of the season,” he said.
“I have enjoyed the last few weeks but it’s something I’ll sit down with my wife and make a decision.”
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