Comets capitalise as Rangers rue missed chances
SOUTHSIDE has doubled down on their premiership success and have their eyes on a third crown after winning the FNQ Football Premier Men’s grand final.
Comets midfielder Mattia Olivetto scored goals either side of halftime, both on the end of classy passing movements.
The second was the biggest dagger for Marlin Coast, coming four passes off the kick-off.
The Rangers were left to rue missed opportunities and could not mount a comeback.
Southside captain Daniel Kennedy said his side was “more ready” for this finals campaign after a bowing out in the 2016 semi-finals and paid tribute to coach Chris Collins for managing the young team.
“As the season progressed, the boys started believing in each other and Chris really did a good job this year and coming closer to the final we believed we could do it and being here now is a great feeling,” he said.
“The first half it was really close. No one team stood out, but we got that goal and especially coming out and scoring straight away really gave us the momentum.
“It’s always the plan to come out with a good tempo and intensity and it sort of worked our way straight away.”
Kennedy said it was fantastic to see Olivetto score the winning goals after his hard work setting up players throughout the season.
Marlin Coast captain Dimitri Toumazos said he “couldn’t be prouder” of his team, most of them playing together for this first time in 2017.
“They started a bit lethargic I think because of the week off and we just didn’t take our opportunities,” he said.
“We had one really good, clear-cut, just before they scored. But that’s how it is in finals. If you don’t take your chances to put pressure on them, it’s goodbye.
“That second goal on the first play of the second half, you can’t do that, it’s criminal to do in a grand final.”
Southside will go on to play Townsville premiers Brothers for the Crad Evans Shield on October 14.