VAFA 2018: Aquinas makes Division 3 finals with 57-point win over Manningham Cobras

IT WAS a case of the agony and the ecstasy in the last round of VAFA Division 3, with Manningham fighting to keep a finals dream alive and Aquinas looking for a miracle.

In the last home-and-away game of the Division 3 season at Koonung Reserve, it was a case of the agony and the ecstasy, with Manningham fighting to keep a finals dream alive while Aquinas was looking for a miracle.

Sitting in the four by percentage alone, only a win would do for the Cobras, but it wasn’t to be as the Bloods stole not only the victory but fourth spot with an upset 13.20 (98) to 5.11 (41) win.

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Manningham coach Frank Salanitri was disappointed his team hasn’t been able to make the finals after sitting in the four most of the season.

“I am shattered to be honest, it’s disappointing for sure but full credit to Aquinas they played good footy today and we were outgunned,” he said.

“They did what good sides are supposed to do and they put us to the sword.

“We were well down in the midfield and we were simply outgunned.

“We were rotations down and it was a contested type of game and you need to keep players changing and we couldn’t.

Daniel Foley and Aquinas have set a finals date in VAFA Division 3. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I thought when we beat Hawthorn a month ago that we were looking good and things were starting to come together but it wasn’t to be.

“It hurts a lot but now we need to regroup and look to next year.”

The last time Aquinas was in the top four was in round four but, after five wins on the trot, it is now the form team of the competition.

Aquinas assistant coach Scott Fisher couldn’t contain his excitement after the win.

“The club is over the moon with the result. From where we have come from, the club is stoked with the finish,” he said. “Our reserves are second on the ladder, our under-19s are on top and now the seniors have made the finals, it’s great for the whole club.”

Best for Aquinas included Jake Cawsey, who kicked seven goals, Philip Jurkovsky and Sam Porter while, for the Cobras Kane Maghamez, Adam Pianto and Aaron Bodin tried hard.

Next week Aquinas battles Westbourne Grammarians in the first semi-final while Hawthorn takes on Glen Eira in the second semi.

Meanwhile, in Premier, Old Trinity stitched up fourth spot with an easy win over Old Xaverians, 9.10 (64) to 6.4 (40).

In Premier B, Old Carey had a straight forward win over Old Haileyburians, 16.14 (110) to 11.11 (77) with Kristian Jaksch snagging four goals for the winners.

Marcellin Old Collegians had a 12-point win over Peninsula in Premier C, 7.15 (57) to 5.15 (45), while in Division 2 games this week, Whitefriars easily accounted for Bulleen Templestowe 17.15 (117) to 9.7 (61) in the neighbourhood derby.