South West District finals preview and top players: Jarrod O’Brien, Jordi Withers, Cam Gleeson

The South West District league is headed for an exciting finals’ series. Check out the influential players who could determine their team’s success. SEE THE LIST

Can Dartmoor win its third flag in six seasons, or will a challenger step up during this year’s South West District finals’ series?

The Giants finished the season on top of the ladder and have this weekend off and will wait to see who their second semi-final opponent is as Tyrendarra and Coleraine battle it out in the qualifying final.

There is no love lost between the Darras and Coleraine, who played in an epic grand final in 2016.

The Maroons caused an upset in the final round last weekend, kicking four goals to one in the last quarter to prevail by 26 points and they will take great confidence into Saturday’s qualifying final.

In the elimination final, Cavendish takes on Westerns in what should be an intriguing match.

Cavendish finished last on the ladder in 2019 with only one win, so it has been a remarkable turnaround to play finals in 2021.

Check out the players to watch in the South West District league finals this year.

QUALIFYING FINAL (winner to play Dartmoor in second semi-final)

Tyrendarra v Coleraine

Saturday - time and venue TBA

Jordi Withers (Tyrendarra)

Equal second on the goalkicking table with 27 from nine games. Has kicked three bags of five or more goals and been named in his team’s best seven times.

Tyrendarra's Josh Atwell is a key man in the backline. Picture: Facebook

Josh Atwell (Tyrendarra)

Played his 100th game for the club earlier this season and the defender was named in his team’s best seven times in nine games.

Patrick Haylock (Tyrendarra)

Joined the club this season and has not disappointed, being named in his team’s best six times in nine games, including two best afield.

Dylan Murray (Tyrendarra)

Has gone from strength-to-strength as the season has progressed, being named in the Darra’s best in their final five games of 2021.

Luke Ferguson (Coleraine)

The onballer has been among his team’s best five times, including last weekend’s win over Tyrendarra.

Patrick Sinnott (Coleraine)

The league’s leading goalkicker with 37 including three bags of five or more — looms as a danger player in front of goals.

Robert Mackinnon (Coleraine)

The onballer/small forward has been in Coleraine’s best six times. Seventh on the goalkicking table with 22.

Adam Ward (Coleraine)

Played nine games for the club after starting in reserves and has been named Coleraine’s best twice, including last weekend’s win over Tyrendarra, and in the best players five times.

ELIMINATION FINAL

Cavendish v Westerns

Saturday - time and venue TBA

Harrison Reeves (Cavendish)

Playing his first season for Cavendish, Reeves has been instrumental in helping his side into the finals after finishing bottom in 2019 with only one win.

Luke Purcell (Cavendish)

Returned to the Bloods as midfield coach last season, Purcell has been solid in 2021, playing all 10 games and in their best four times.

Jonathon Coghlan (Cavendish)

Six times in the best in his first season at Cavendish, with two best afield performances.

Steven Cameron (Cavendish)

Averaging more than three goals an outing, with 22 from seven games, to be Cavendish’s leading goalkicker for 2021.

Westerns’ Cam Gleeson. Picture: Facebook

Cam Gleeson (Westerns)

New recruit in 2021 after playing with Portland under-18s in the Hampden League, Gleeson is a monty for his club’s best and fairest, having been named best six times in 10 outings.

Martin Curtis (Westerns)

The former North Ballarat City onballer has been a standout in 2021, named in the best six times.

Luke Evans, left, played his 150th for Westerns this season.

Luke Evans (Westerns)

Notched his 150th with Westerns this season. The key position defender has been their best twice and named in best players five times.

Marcus England (Westerns)

Five times in his team’s best, England is in his fourth season as playing coach for Westerns.

Dartmoor players to watch

Jarrod O’Brien

The former Hamilton Kangaroos’ best-and-fairest and Centrals SANFL midfielder has been among the Giants’ best in seven outings and best-on three times.

Christian Howlett

The Giants’ leading goalkicker with 26 majors, including three bags of five. In his team’s best in three games.

Dartmoor coach Jayden Polaski,

Jayden and Lachlan Polaski

The two-time premiership stars — and twins — have again led the way in 2021. Playing coach Jayden has been in the best five times and Lachlan six.

Final ladder

Dartmoor 36

Tyrendarra 32

Coleraine 32

Cavendish 28

Westerns 16

Heywood 8

Branxholme Wallacedale 8

Heathmore 0

Originally published as South West District finals preview and top players: Jarrod O’Brien, Jordi Withers, Cam Gleeson