‘We’re super confident’: Mt Eliza powers into MPFNL Division 1 flag decider

Mt Eliza got the monkey off its back by winning through to MPFNL Division 1 grand final — but a key player was reported. Details…

Lachlan Williams kicked two goals for Mt Eliza in its preliminary final win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mt Eliza’s dominant win over Frankston YCW in Sunday’s preliminary final backed up coach Rikki Johnston’s belief that his side is peaking at the right time of the season.

The dashing Redlegs kicked the first 10 goals and didn’t allow YCW a goal until the final quarter as they coasted to an 11.11 (77) to 4.6 (30) victory at a rainy Olympic Park in Rosebud.

The only lowlight for Mt Eliza occurred late in the first quarter when Will Antonie was reported for striking YCW’s Shem Barry.

Antonie, who returned this season from a knee reconstruction, is likely to appear at the tribunal during the week.

After years of finals disappointment, Mt Eliza will face reigning champions Dromana in the grand final at Frankston Park.

The showdown between the best two sides on the peninsula promises to be a blockbuster, especially if the weather is fine. Both sides’ run and gun, attacking styles are sure to delight spectators.

Mt Eliza coach Rikki Johnston. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Johnston said Mt Eliza’s shaky start to this season’s finals series a fortnight ago when it lost to Frankston YCW in the qualifying final helped kick his side into gear.

“I feel like we’ve been building to that (Sunday’s win over YCW),” he said.

“I think the first final we played against YC was unlike us in lots of ways. I think we’d won seven in a row up to that point and that was maybe the recalibration we needed.

“It was much more like us yesterday, the intent around the ball, the tackle count, the pressure was up and we probably put them under pressure early in the game and they never got back into it.”

Will Lambert and Lachlan Williams kicked two goals apiece for the Mounties, who counted former VFL ruckman Chris Carey as their best player.

Former Box Hill Hawks captain Damian Mascitti returned to the Mt Eliza side after an ankle injury and got through — and his experience will be vital in the grand final.

It will be a bumper grand final day for Mt Eliza, with all three sides — seniors, reserves and under-19s — in flag deciders.

Johnston has worked wonders in his first season at the club, but he says making a grand final was only part of his plan.

“It was to win a grand final,” he said.

“We weren’t sure how long it would take, new coach, new program, new game plan, new group as well, but we’re super confident.

“We’ve got three or four (players) out that won’t play next week but I think we’ve got the depth to cover that as good as anyone.

Finlay Bayne on the move for the Redlegs. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“The feeling is good, everyone’s excited and we’re ready to get out there and do the business.”

Ziggy Toledo, Tom Freeman and Will Bravo have long-term injuries and won’t be considered for selection.

Co-captain Braden Nelmes injured his knee in the first semi-final last week and will train on Thursday in a bid to prove his fitness.

“He’s got to prove his fitness…at this stage we’re not sure, we’re hoping he gets up but we’ll just have to wait and see how he pulls up,’’ Johnston said of Nelmes.

“He had a cortisone injection in the knee. He got a knock to his knee last week and it’s just got to settle down.’’

MATCH DETAILS

Preliminary final:

Frankston YCW 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 4.6 (30) def by Mt Eliza 3.3, 5.6, 10.8, 11.11 (77)

Goals:

Frankston YCW: Josh Butland, Jaxson Mead, Darcy Murr, Jackson Muscillo.

Mt Eliza: Will Lambert 2, Lachlan Williams 2, Will Antonie, Declan Cole, Jasper O’Neill, Fraser Phillips, Nathan Scagliarini, Tom Small, Michael West.

Best:

Frankston YCW: Bailey Fry, Blake Mullane, Luca Goonan, Kevin Lylak, Darcy Murr.

Mt Eliza: Chris Carey, Nicholas MacDonald Girolami, Declan Cole, Will Lambert, Michael West.