Omeo and District: Lindenow South plays Swifts Creek in grand final

Lindenow South is primed to finally have a shot at the Omeo and District league premiership, which it was on track to win last year before Covid halted the season.

Lindenow South is primed to finally have a shot at the Omeo and District league premiership. which it was on track to win last year before Covid halted the season on the eve of finals.

South plays Swifts Creek in the grand final at Omeo on Saturday after finishing on top of the ladder for the second successive year.

The minor premiers survived a late fightback from Swifts Creek in the second semi-final and could be further strengthened by the return of Brad Pedder, who has been out for nearly two months with a hamstring injury.

Lindenow South players in the lead-up to last year’s finals series which was cancelled due to Covid. From left, Mel Irish, Mitch Neal, Robbie O’Keefe, Nathan Pollard (coach), Sam Howden, Brad Pedder, Jarrett Callaway and Harry Page. They are all still with the club this year. Picture: Mark Stewart

South didn’t win a match in 2019 and has an even stronger team than last year with the addition of Max Solomon, who played for Swifts Creek last year, and has kicked 56 goals this season.

Another recruit, Neil Rawlings, has booted 40 goals this year.

“It definitely feels like a two-year project,” Lindenow South coach Nathan Pollard said.

“All the boys are eager to get out and finally play in a grand final.

“It’s been a while.”

The momentum has been helped along by teenagers Jake Armstrong, Griffen Sherritt, Seth Smith and Zach O’Keefe.

O’Keefe, 15, played in both the senior and under-16s finals matches a fortnight ago and could do the same on grand final day, according to Pollard.

Swifts Creek coach David Westland addresses his players during the preliminary final against Swan Reach. Picture: Supplied

Pollard is a three-time league best and fairest winner and finished third to Omeo-Benambra’s Jai Hayward this year.

He said Swifts Creek had to be respected following its never-say-die performance two weeks ago.

“We got off to a good start and they just kept clawing their way back,” he said.

Indigenous players from Swifts Creek and Swan Reach came together after the thrilling finish to the Omeo and District league preliminary final won by Swifts Creek in extra time. Picture: Supplied

Swifts Creek again came from behind to secure a grand final berth.

It trailed by 17 points at three-quarter time in the preliminary final against Swan Reach before levelling the scores at full-time and booting two goals in extra time to eventually win by five points.

It was the third time since 2000 that an Omeo and District final had to be decided in extra time.

Lindenow South beat Buchan in 2006 and two years earlier Swifts Creek defeated Bruthen with both games first semi-finals.