East Point surged late in a thrilling preliminary final encounter against Darley as the Kangas secured their first grand final berth since 2019 in an extra-time classic.
Darley
def. by
East Point
Never-say-die East Point has booked a date with Melton in the McDonald’s BFNL Grand Final following an epic, extra-time win over Darley at Marty Busch Recreation Reserve.
The Kangas led by just two points at three-quarter time needing to hold out the Devils who were kicking with the aid of a two or three goal breeze.
Goals to Bryson McDougall and Jackson Merrett late were enough to send the game into overtime as the Kangas managed to defend a wave of Devils’ inside 50s.
Hindsight can be the bearing of cruel realities given Darley needed to win the last quarter (with the breeze) by just three points or more to progress.
But East Point had other ideas.
With scores locked together at the final siren, 2 x 5-minute halves (with time-on) would decide this grueling encounter littered with all the will, courage and determination you wish to see in the penultimate decider of the BFNL season.
All this while the ‘lie in waiting' Bloods’ hierarchy looked on from the sidelines, ‘smoking the pipe’ the longer this game went.
The physical toll on the players was palpable - the third of its kind in a row for the Kangas and their sixth game on the trot against top six opposition.
Saturday's Grand Final against Melton will mark game number seven, arguably the toughest run home of any side in recent BFNL history despite their impressive three loss season.
Three quick goals with the breeze in the first half of extra time gave the Kangas all the momentum they needed, and a crucial 19-point lead.
The ailing Devils responded bravely in the second half of extra time with two goals of their own but fell short, left lamenting in the space of 'what could've been' after failing to capitalise in the final quarter of regular time.
There were many stars, and for different reasons, as efforts with and without the ball were lauded by both teams in the aftermath.
Top end stocks did their reputations no harm making significant contributions while the next tier of talent put the competition on notice with a sneak peek at what's to come.
For the winners, Matty Johnston (one goal), Jackson Merrett (two goals) and Joe Dodd received the nod of approval from the Kangas’ camp ahead of new wave talent Jack Jeffrey (two goals), Alex Molan (two goals) and Liam Howard.
While Mickitja Rotumah-Onuscould find himself 'very stiff' to miss out on the list of honourable mentions but I’m sure all is forgiven as all roads lead to City Oval for a highly anticipated finale.
Billy Myers (four goals) gave the competition a timely reminder his best is as good as anyone's on his day to be named best for the Devils ahead of tireless contributions from Joel Cadman, Brett Bewley (two goals), Matthew Brett, Brady Wright (two goals) and Mitch Ward.
STATS THAT CAUGHT THE EYE
Matt Johnston (East Point) - 46 disposals, 28 contested possessions, 19 clearances
Billy Myers (Darley) - 36 disposals, 17 intercept possessions, 15 marks
Jackson Merrett (East Point) - 29 disposals, 8 intercept possessions, 7 rebound 50s, 2 goals
COACHES’ VERDICT
Dan Jordan (Darley)
"Very proud of our boys, we gave our all. We had our chance but credit to East Point for their effort to stand up and hang on. Wishing both sides all the best next week in the Grand Final."
Joe Carmody (East Point)
"An amazing effort by the boys. Full credit to DJ and Darley, their pressure was enormous. Our younger players really stood up in the second half and kept running hard in extra time. Very proud of the group. Three teams (from East Point) in the Grand Final this week is fantastic for the club."
