Thomastown records third straight victory under caretaker coach Scott Plant

Thomastown secured its third straight victory under caretaker coach Scott Plant, hammering Watsonia, to set up a mouth-watering mini elimination final clash against Diamond Creek.

Sashe Spiroski in action for Thomastown.

Thomastown has flourished under caretaker coach Scott Plant, claiming a third straight NFL Division 2 victory on Saturday.

The 57-point hammering of Watsonia sets up a mouth-watering mini elimination final clash against Diamond Creek this weekend.

The Bears parted ways with coach Ben Chapman after four consecutive losses but have returned to form under Plant.

COACH: LOWER PLENTY KEEP FAITH IN TURNER

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

DIV 3: MERNDA STUN BLUES TO KEEP FINALS ALIVE

“We’re playing some good footy at the moment, I’m really happy with how they’re going,” Plant said.

“We got some good running footy going and our movement forward was the biggest difference.

“We’ve got some very big games of footy ahead of us. (Finals are) in our hands though.”

Anthony Capeci kicked three goals for Thomastown.

Thomastown sits fourth, just two points ahead of Diamond Creek, with the finals rivals set to lock horns at Coventry Oval.

A Bears win would almost guarantee them a second straight finals appearance.

However, Plant is taking nothing for granted with four rounds remaining.

“(Diamond Creek) are playing some fantastic footy, knocking off Eltham and Banyule, and another strong win on Saturday,” he said.

“Next week should be a pretty big game of footy for both sides.

“From our point of view, we’ve just got to keep winning, keep playing good footy and focus on what we’re doing.”

Sashe Spiroski in action for Thomastown.

Daniel Caruso in action for Thomastown.

Plant’s son Brayden was the Bears’ chief destroyer on the field with seven goals in the 17.20 (122) to 9.11 (65) victory at Main Street Reserve.

Anthony Capeci added four majors, while midfield guns Matthew Vasilevski and Daniel Chadwick also impressed.

A concussion to Daniel Caruso was the only sour note for Thomastown.

In an even opening, Thomastown took a seven-point lead into quarter-time but took complete control from there.

Watsonia was held to a measly five behinds in the second and third quarters as the Bears piled on nine goals to earn a 65-point buffer by three-quarter-time.

The Saints booted six goals in the fourth quarter but it was too little, too late.

Elsewhere in Division 2, Whittlesea enjoyed an 89-point win over Fitzroy Stars.

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.