ERGFL FINALS PREVIEW

By Alyce Collett

Under 16s
Semi Final 2
Yarra Glen vs Healesville
There’s a lot on the line here – a spot in the Grand Final and the week off.

Yarra Glen are coming off a week off after finishing top of the ladder, while Healesville are coming off a win over Upwey Tecoma last week in the qualifying final.

Healesville coach Anne – Marie Ebbels praised her side’s dominance last week and their ability to stand up when required. 

“We controlled the ball for the majority of the first quarter, but missed scoring opportunities,”

‘‘All the Healesville girls stood up in the last quarter when they needed to whether it was a well-timed mark or tackle to limit Upwey’s scoring opportunities.’’

Yarra Glen coach Andrew Cummins believes the key for his side will be ‘getting a good nights sleep and coming switched on and ready to play.’

He also noted how finals are not a new experience for his side. 

‘‘Half the girls won it last year in U14s and other half lost a preliminary final by one point in U16s.’’

These two sides have met three times this season, with Yarra Glen winning two of the matches. Healesville however did win the most recent encounter which was only three weeks ago.

Semi Final 1
Upwey Tecoma vs Emerald
This is a do – or – die match. Win and you live to fight another day. Lose and your season is done.

Emerald are coming off a comfortable win over Seville, while the Tigers will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to Healesville.

History is definitely on Upwey Tecoma’s side, as they won both encounters between the two sides during the home and away season.

Under 14s
Preliminary Final
Monbulk vs Emerald
This is a big one for both sides. A spot in the Grand Final is on the line, while the loser’s season is done.

Emerald are coming off a comfortable win over Olinda Ferny Creek, while Monbulk will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to Mt Evelyn.

These sides have only met twice this season, with Monbulk winning both times quite comfortably (69 points and 54 points respectively).

Under 12s
Preliminary Final
Mt Evelyn vs Healesville

Mt Evelyn are looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking two point loss to Belgrave Black last week, while Healesville are looking to continue their winning ways after defeating Yarra Glen last week. 

The sides have met three times this season. Healesville won the first one in round two, but Mt Evelyn won the next two.

Mt Evelyn coach Chris Tesoriero is expecting a close game between the two sides.
“I think it will be a tight game,’’

“ We need to stick to what we’ve been working on all year, which is running with the ball and making sure we take our opportunities when in the forward half,”

“The girls are very keen to make up for last weeks narrow loss.’’

Healesville coach Jeff Hunter is expecting the same.

“They beat us in the last round by applying constant physical pressure all over the ground and getting the early advantage on the scoreboard,’’

“Our young bloods will have to stand up to the tough physical game that we expect Mt Evelyn to bring this week. The girls will be asked to do the same that they have been asked to do all year. Have fun, look after their team mates, talk and tackle.’”