Trafalgar into grand final
Trafalgar secured their position in the 2018 MGFL grand final with an impressive victory over Yinnar, winning 9-10 (64) to 7-5 (47).
The Bloods had gone through season 2018 with an extraordinary record of 17 wins from their 18 matches, but none of which meant anything from the opening bounce of the second semi-final.
Yinnar, with departing coach Jaimie Aitken, focused on finishing his time with the ultimate success had finally put together a side that he believed was capable of causing an upset and two narrow losses through the season to Trafalgar had taught the Magpies how good they would need to be.
A terrific opening quarter by the Magpies set the standard for the rest of the afternoon, finals football delivering everything it should do, with hard running, big body clashes, lots of pressure and a very hot footy.
Yinnar grabbed the lead at quarter time, the margin just eleven points, but it was to be the biggest margin of the day, with Trafalgar starting to work their way into the contest during the second term.
Tyson Leys continued his sensational second half of the season with another best on ground performance. Damien Mann, gave his all, as did the likes of Brad Hamilton, Connor Noonan, Daniel Puglia and Jesse Stone.
Under pressure the game style of Trafalgar once stood up, this time finals pressure.
The result of their disciplined play wasn’t to show its head however until late in the game, as even though the premiership favourites were slowly closing the gap from 11 points at quarter time to six at the major break and just four points at three quarter time, it wasn’t until the final quarter that Trafalgar managed to grab the lead under their beautifully orchestrated zoning that they have delivered for the entire season.
Yinnar had their chances, but not enough of them despite the efforts of Danny Campbell, Mark Stockdale, Leigh Cummings, Luke Linton, Matt Dyke and Jim Dowling.
The Magpies had managed to keep their opponents to just five goals in the first three quarters, but it was the Bloods who added four goals from seven scoring shots in the final 30 minutes that showed they wanted the win more.
So after a weeks’ break Trafalgar have now earned the right to another week off before waiting for their next opponent to have a shot at the title.
They will await the victor of the preliminary final between Yinnar and Yallourn-Yallourn North.
Yinnar had better luck in the Reserves, defeating Yallourn-Yallourn North by just one goal to advance to the grand final.
The Magpies kicked away early only for the Bombers to hit back, a scoreless third term from Yinnar allowing Yallourn-Yallourn North back in it.
The Magpies kicked three goals to two in the final term to hold on and win, 7-7 (49) to 6-7 (43).
Trafalgar were big winners in the Thirds, defeating an inaccurate Yinnar 11-7 (73) to 111 (17).
Zack Brown kicked four goals, while Nelson Byrne, Xavier Taylor, Brodie Kersten, Tristan Marslen and Blake Radford were also among the better players.
Trafalgar won a thrilling Fourths match over rivals Hill End by just two-points, 6-6 (42) to 64 (40).
Each side traded periods of dominance before the Bloods held on in a tight final quarter.
Oscar Robinson, Blake Zimora, Caleb Semple, William Semple, Cooper Burgess and Dylan Gauci were the better players for the Bloods.
Drew Orton, Corey Philip, Hamish Walsh, Luke Balfour (three goals), Lachlan Smith and Bayley Paul helped Hill End take the match to the wire.