PENINSULA LEAGUE
BONBEACH will be looking to win its first senior premiership since 1984 when it takes on Frankston YCW in the MPNFL Peninsula Division Grand Final on Saturday.
The Sharks stormed into the Grand Final after thrashing Edithvale-Aspendale by 40 points, 13.9 (87) to 7.5 (47).
It was a sloppy, hard and contested first quarter but the Sharks stormed out in the second quarter and booted seven goals to one to set-up a game-high 53-point margin at the main interval.
The Sharks midfield was absolutely sensational, led by ruckman Dylan Jones, who was clearly the best player on the ground. Tom Hogan was just as important when he went through the ruck as well, giving ‘DJ’ a well-earned spell.
Gavin Vassallo, Mark Tyrell and Jackson Casey dominated the centre clearances and prevented the Eagles from getting their hands on the footy first. Jason Ferraro showed his grunt.
In attack, the Sharks set-up with Shane McDonald, Owen Hulett and Trent Dennis-Lane. Between them, they booted 10 goals. Dennis-Lane booted five, Hulett three and McDonald two.
Gary Carpenter set up the defensive half, Mark Douglas was strong and James Murnane provided great drive from half back.
Beau Bailey showed his class throughout but really found touch in the last quarter.
It wasn’t a great day at the office for Edithvale-Aspendale, who looked flat-footed in the opening half.
The Eagles outscored the Sharks in the second half, six goals to four, including four straight goals in the third quarter.
However, the Sharks always had the answers.
Graeme Yeats tried everything. He threw the magnets around at half time and it appeared to work for a period.
Michael Bussey and Chris Wylie were both at the centre bounces in the second half and mark Mullins went forward – he booted three goals.
Liam Harris was the Eagles’ best while Stevey Mannix, Brendan Neville and Matt Clark worked hard.
The Sharks thrashed YCW earlier in the season are every chance to prevent YCW winning its fourth premiership in a row.
Next week, Frankston YCW will play Mt Eliza in the Under 19s, Seaford will tackle Mt Eliza in the Reserves and Bonbeach and Frankston YCW will battle it out in the seniors.
First published in the Mornington News – 12 September 2017
