Poowong holds on to grand final journey

IN a heart-stopping preliminary final, Poowong won its way into U16s Ellinbank and District Football Netball League grand final by just one point.

Poowong had lost to Buln Buln earlier in the season and knew it would have to give its all to earn that grand final ticket.

Playing at the Lang Lang Community Sporting Complex, the wind favoured one end but otherwise, it was a perfect day for footy.

Finals pressure had both sides scrambling in the first quarter with limited opportunities to hit the scoreboard.

It was a scrappy game all day and the defensive pressure remained intense.

Poowong defended well, led by fullback Kohen Gilliatte, and only let a couple of points through in the first quarter.

Gilliatte showed his skill at reading the play and drove the footy out of the backline well. 

However, it was unable to convert its own opportunities.

Buln Buln knew Poowong had been on a roll of late and was eager to stifle any momentum.

Now with the wind advantage, Poowong went into the second quarter with a little more confidence – this was the chance to open the game up.

The boys settled well and with newfound composure kicked the first goal of the game early in the quarter.

Poowong’s forward and midfield pressure increased with Gavin Monson leading the charge.

Monson took control of the game and earned his place in Poowong’s best.

Zac Sherar also worked hard through the middle.

Sherar missed out competing in state-level swimming to play footy and Poowong was thrilled to have him. 

Doing everything that was asked of him all day, Sherar kept the pressure on and was one of the best players on the ground. 

Poowong ended the quarter with two more goals to have a 15-point lead heading into halftime.

An even third quarter saw both sides score a goal each.

However, the game was highly contested with stoppage after stoppage.

With just 13 points in it, they headed into the final quarter.

This quarter had Poowong fans on the edge of their seats.

Buln Buln put everything on the line and its fitness was evident.

There was some panic as Buln Buln approached Poowong’s score, but the Magpies did enough to get the job done.

Tait Nicholls sealed it for Poowong, kicking one last point to make the difference.

Poowong now has one more challenge ahead as it gears up to meet Ellinbank in the grand final.

The grand final will be played at Yarragon’s Dowton Park.

“I think there will be some nerves on both sides, but our boys deserve to be there. To come from fourth to be in the grand final is fantastic,” coach Zac Gray said.

“We didn’t beat Ellinbank during the season, but we didn’t beat Neerim South or Buln Buln either, but we are confident we can do it if we continue playing like we have been.”

Ellinbank beat Poowong by 64 points in round 10 and just 23 points in round 16.

The grand final promises to be a massive day with Poowong represented in both the U16s and the U18s.

“It’s a big deal for our club to have the junior teams compete in the grand final. We’ve struggled for juniors in the past and now look we are – it’s an exciting time for Poowong,” Gray said.