BFNL Review - Week 2 Finals, 2024

Minor premiers Melton booked their place in the McDonald’s BFNL Grand Final with a dominant 43-point win over Darley.

An even spread of Bloods contributors proved too overwhelming for the Devils who were no match for a third time this year.

Troy Scoble's well-connected group set up a handy 25-point lead at half time after keeping the Devils goalless with the breeze in the second term.

A four-goal-to-one third quarter essentially put this game to bed as the Bloods drained the Devils of virtually any hope, with a 47-point advantage at the final change.

The Devils looked slow at times, often labouring in their endeavours to cover the ground.

Repeat turnovers were a four-quarter long struggle for Dan Jordan's group, making the game more difficult to play and a constant strain on energy levels.

Execution of the basic fundamentals we often take for granted at the level remain a work in progress for Jordan's men.

Put simply, they're not a good kicking team which makes it harder for the Devils to score against the competition's benchmark.

The Devils’ 0-3 record against the Bloods this year has yielded returns of just five, nine and six goals. It's not enough.

For the record the Bloods have registered 24 scoring shots in each of their three meetings, the Devils, 11, 14 and 11.

Fluency and connection levels of these two sides are poles apart and remains one of the Bloods’ greatest assets.

The evenness and depth of talent at the Bloods disposal across all three lines is the very reason they're deserving flag favourites.

Given what transpired in the First Semi Final and East Point's struggles to overcome Ballarat, this year’s cup can be seen as Melton's to lose.

That's the pressure that comes with an impressive 'one loss' season.

How they cope with such lofty expectations, time will tell.

The Bloods had 22 contributors at the weekend, seven of whom hit the scoreboard. The Kights (Braedan and Jordy), Ryan Carter, Jack Walker and Ryan Davis booted two goals each while Devils’ key forward Brady Wright (two goals) was the only multiple goal scorer on a tough day at the office for the Black and White army.

Bloods’ midfielder Jaycob Hickey was named best ahead of a host of team mates that could easily of featured in the 'best players' conversation.

The Devils had less than half their group considered for recognition in loss, but you couldn't deny the efforts of Brett Bewley who carried much of his team (and Lachlan Walker) from stoppage to stoppage, more often in the Devils’ back half. 

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Brett Bewley (Darley) - 44 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 12 rebound 50s

Jack Walker (Melton) - 28 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 7 tackles

Jaycob Hickey (Melton) - 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 9 clearances  

COACHES’ VERDICT
Troy Scoble (Melton)
"Very proud of the group, really locked into our planning and preparation going in. We feel our third game in a row against top opposition has enabled us to get into finals mode and adjust well. Under a lot of pressure defensively throughout the game so to restrict scoring was pleasing. We struggled to convert opportunities in attack at times, Darley’s formation behind the ball can be impenetrable. We hung in the contest and scrambled quite well. The midfield battle was a great spectacle. We got through unscathed so now have two weeks to get the players prepared for a grand final. Good luck to the quality teams that remain - it's been a great finals series so far with plenty more to play out yet."

Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Disappointing result for us today, beaten by a much better side. Congratulations to Melton who thoroughly deserved the win and a spot in the Grand Final. We've got some regrouping to do (quickly) ahead of a Preliminary Final next Saturday. The reality is we're still in it, but time is running out finding our best."

East Point survived a late scare holding out a determined Ballarat to progress into a preliminary final showdown with Darley.

The Swans drew level with the breeze in the last quarter before a late goal against the run of play saw the Kangas win a thriller in trying conditions at City Oval.

Chris Maple's young group, while proud of their achievements in 2024, rising from ninth to fourth would be lamenting missed opportunity, reflective on a scoreline that read 0.8 at halftime, yet seemingly within reach of the Kangas’ more accurate 2.3.

The result essentially came down to the comparative scores with the aid of the breeze. The Swans second and final quarters yielded 3.10 while the Kangas manufactured 5.6 with their opportunity in the first and third terms.

As a result of kicking into the breeze in the opening term, the Swans were essentially chasing the game having trailed at every change and needing to overcome a 14-point deficit at the final break.

With goals coming at a premium and the Swans’ scoreline sitting at 2.10, it was always going to be a tough ask.

Unbeaten since Round 10 including a win over the Kangas in Round 18, the Swans proved their impressive second half of the season was no fluke and they were in fact the real deal but unable to capitalise on their +5 advantage in scoring opportunities.

The game had plenty of heroes, with the difference between winning and losing as cruel as it gets given the do-or-die nature of the stakes.

For the winners Jackson Merrett (one goal) reassured Kangas fans his concerning foot complaint was behind him to be named best afield ahead of Liam Canny (one goal), Sam Cue, Joe Dodd (one goal), and consistent pair Matthew Johnston and Jacob Brown.

The Swans were brave, their best players on the day resembling a common theme of 'bigger body' profiles - the kind it takes getting the job done against formidable opponents like the Kangas.

Quartet Rhys Perry, Angus Bade, Lachie Dalgleish and Marcus Powling led the charge while Paddy Simpson and Wil Liston provided the drive at ground level in a game that only Swans fans could dream of progressing.

Outgoing Swans Coach Chris Maple summed it up well in the aftermath with two choice words.

"So close."

We're down to three sides who remain in the race but only one seems to be free of the ill effects of a long arduous season - and they'll be watching on this week as East Point and Darley go head-to-head, an all-in moment for an opportunity to take on the Bloods in the BFNL's version of the big dance.     

STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE

Matt Johnston (East Point) - 39 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 14 clearances

Paddy Simpson (Ballarat) - 25 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 11 tackles

Jackson Merrett (East Point) - 27 disposals, 9 rebound 50s, 7 intercept possessions  

COACHES’ VERDICT
Joe Carmody (East Point)
"Tough conditions and a highly contested game all day. Our boys found something extra in the last 10 minutes against the wind and manufactured a goal. Congratulations to Mapes on his time at Ballarat. We move on quickly to face Darley on Saturday."

Chris Maple (Ballarat)
"So proud of our players, they gave their all. So close! A goal off the ground, a poster, a soft free kick in front of goal - just little things didn't go our way. I felt we did everything possible to win the game. We have the club heading in the right direction, 9th to 4th a good result. Ash Baker will be great for our group - I’m looking forward to watching them grow further."