Local League Lions: VFL Finals week one
The VFL season is over however the seasons at local level are still alive for some players, with some looking ahead to playing in a Grand Final later this month.
VAFA Premier Division
St.Bernards and Luke Di Lizio finished its first year back in the VAFA Premier Division on a high with a 16 point win over reigning premiers and old rivals St.Kevins at home. Di Lizio kicked three goals, taking his final season tally to 18 goals from 17 games. St. Bernards finished the season in a respectable 7thplace and the win will give them plenty of hope and optimism ahead for the 2020 season.
EDFL Premier Division
Tyson Lever, Jackson McDonald and Jack Sandric again joined Jonty Neaves for Glenroy as they took on Aberfeldie at Jacana, with Clifton Park unavailable due to a poor surface. Lever managed two goals for the game. Glenroy ended the season in 8thspot with 4 wins and a draw, a great effort considering the amount of injuries suffered throughout the season and will now look ahead to 2020.
Ben Reddick and Lucas Cavallaro warmed up for Strathmore’s finals campaign, with a huge win over Essendon Doutta Stars. The Mores won by 66 points at the Nipper Jordan Oval and will now look ahead to their elimination final against Pascoe Vale this Sunday at Piranha Park, Coburg.
Tye Browning returned to Craigieburn as they notched up a 26-point win over East Keilor. The first semi final win for the Eagles sees them book a Grand Final berth to be played at Windy Hill in a fortnights time. Craigieburn will play the winner of this weekend’s preliminary between East Keilor and Tullamarine.
Northern Football League
Heidelberg, featuring Fletcher Carroll, stormed home with an eight-goal last quarter against arch rivals North Heidelberg in the first semi-final at Preston City Oval. However, it wasn’t enough as the Tigers went down by 3 points.
Heidelberg will look ahead to next week’s sudden death semi final when they take on West Preston Lakeside. The reigning premiers were too good in their elimination final win over Montmorency, holding them goal less after quarter time. Aidan Tilley again did well for the Roosters while Braedyn Gillard tried hard in the wet conditions for Montmorency.
Riddell District Football League
Having made two appearances for his home club Rupertswood throughout 2019, Billy Cannolo made an appearance in its first semi final against Diggers Rest. Cannolo kicked three goals and was named amongst the Sharks best as they came from behind to defeat Diggers Rest by 26-points and advance straight through to the Grand Final, where they will either meet Diggers Rest or Wallan in the decider.
Ovens and Murray Football League
Will Donaghey again turned out for home club Wodonga Raiders as they took on Myrtleford in its elimination final at Albury. Despite going in as underdogs, the Raiders launched a final quarter comeback against the Alpine Saints but fell short by three points. Donaghey finishes his 2019 campaign at local level with 9 goals from 14 games.
Stay turned throughout the next few weeks to see how our Lions go in the remainder of their local finals campaign.
