By Colin MacGillivray
KILMORE is ready to embark on what it hopes will be a deep Northern Football Netball League division three finals run in an elimination final against familiar foe Old Eltham Collegians.
The Blues closed out their season with a 17.18 (120) to 2.0 (12) win against Reservoir in a game that was called off in the third quarter after nearby lightning strikes halted play.
The result saw Kilmore finish fourth on the ladder with an 11-7 record, although the Blues’ percentage of 209 rivals that of minor premier South Morang and second-placed Laurimar.
Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said he was simply happy the team emerged from Saturday’s game unscathed, with up to five senior players set to be recalled for the elimination final.
“We didn’t have much to gain from playing the last quarter and a bit [against Reservoir] apart from maybe injuries, so it wasn’t really worth the risk of going back out,” he said.
With Grant Paxton and Scott Swindells sidelined, centre half-forward Bailey Taylor-Egan anchored himself closer to goal, booting 6.3 in his best game since returning from a month-long injury layoff in July.
James Atkinson rucked well in the absence of Mick McCulloch, while the strong midfield trio of Leigh Irons, Chris Ryall and Chris Barton found plenty of the ball.
Half forward Michael Fenech collected more than 20 disposals and could have had a day out if not for an inaccurate 1.4 in front of goals.
Debutant Emmett Clark was doused in water by his teammates in the clubrooms following the game after kicking his first goal, and Phillips said the 17-year-old had a bright future ahead.
“He’s been one of the better players for the under 19s and he came in and did a little bit of ruck work but mainly played up forward,” he said.
“A couple of the things he did were really promising. He came up to the under 19s because the under 17s couldn’t get a side up, so for him to play senior footy at that age is pretty impressive.”
With McCulloch, Paxton, Swindells, Marcus Webb and Tom McMillan all a chance to be recalled for Sunday’s elimination final at Whittlesea, Phillips said his side would have the firepower it needed to beat the Turtles.
“They are all good quality players. Webby’s leadership on the ground goes a long way to us winning games, and it goes unnoticed by a lot of people,” he said.
“He’s averaging about 17 or 18 touches a game, which is good for a half forward, and the way he makes sure we’re set up is pretty pivotal.
“McMillan has been huge with his defensive work, which again goes unnoticed by a lot of people, and McCulloch and Paxton are both tall forwards who are good ball users, and players like that don’t grow on trees, so to get a couple back is pretty important to us.”
Over the past two seasons, each of the five contests between Kilmore and Old Eltham has been decided by 10 points or less.
Phillips said he expected another tight result this weekend. He said his team would need a fast start, unlike in their last meeting on August 6.
“It’s always going to be tight with them, the way they play. They put a lot of pressure on and don’t make it easy to score,” he said.
“I think the ground is going to be in pretty ordinary condition with rain forecast for most of the back end of this week, so we’re expecting it to be a slog and a contested style of game.”
Phillips said spirits were high at the club, with all of Kilmore’s football teams and all but one of its netball teams qualifying for finals.
Whittlesea
Whittlesea can assure itself of a spot in division one next season if it wins its final home-and-away clash against Hurstbridge this weekend.
The Eagles sit ninth on the ladder after an 8.7 (55) to 9.18 (72) loss to Greensborough on Saturday, but showed themselves capable of competing with the Bridges in their only meeting this season in April. Despite a 24-point loss, Whittlesea recorded more scoring shots, and will have plenty of incentive to win the rematch.
