Ellinbank DFL 1st and 2nd Semi Finals review

It was Riley Rundell who got the Crows up and running early with a teammate setting up his checkside on the run from the pocket with a strong mark. The Crows scored a long goal to race out to a two-goal lead and the Saints, who were aiming to snap a run of consecutive losses, were looking shaky. Having been the team to beat for much of the season, the Saints were able to work their way back into the contest late in the quarter. A long goal to Ilan Osman was soon followed by a major from Aiden Cumberland, who had been rewarded for his pressure with a free kick. Schultz goaled on the run following a Saints centre clearance in the perfect start to the second term. Brody Rundell sent the ball forward in hopes of an immediate reply, but the pass fell short of the leading Daniel Fry. Schultz won a free kick in the marking contest to set up a mini-break for the Saints. Crows shots on goal missed before Leigh McDonald went long with Russell Lehman taking full advantage after being awarded the free kick for being taken out of the contest. A long goal continued the momentum for the Crows who took the lead. They went forward again through a run down tackle from Harley Jones but the Saints were able to concede. Brody Rundell took the ball forward again but his kick was affected by a tackle, allowing Kallon Rigby to take a saving mark for the Saints. Schultz found himself on the end of a mark from a downfield free kick and kicked a long goal against the run of play, allowing the Saints a narrow one-point lead at the long break despite the Crows doing most of the attacking.

The Saints started the third term well, with Schultz taking from position to mark and lean back on the kick beautifully to guide home another major from long range. The match was beginning to become a real arm wrestle in deteriorating conditions but not to be deterred, the Crows worked the ball forward to find Russell Lehman in space for a goal to put the Crows in front at the final change.

It was the Saints who stood up when it counted, controlling possession for much of the final term to deny the Crows their first place in an EDFL grand final since the split competition in 2014. The contest showed enough to suggest the teams would produce an epic grand final in dry conditions, although the Crows have to first get over the Warragul Industrials in a home preliminary final on Saturday. The match had been nip and tuck throughout before the Saints broke away with a final quarter burst that brought the final three goals of the match.

Shaun Beecroft, Sam Burns, Spooner, Sam Dixon, Schultz and Ben Hallas were the better players who helped the Saints book their place in the decider.

Ruckman Nicholas Redley, Cole Cook, Russell Lehman, Jake Delphine, Nathan Fry and Troy Lehman were the better players for the Crows in an effort that indicated they they have what it takes to match it with the Saints.

Still missing key playmaker Ben Hancock, the Magpies hung in for much of the match but the Industrials were able to win the key moments to emerge with victory. A dominant second term helped the Industrials create a buffer that enabled them to control the second half. The Industrials had done most of the attacking in the first half but could only manage the one goal courtesy of a 50 metre penalty from a late push. A late snap from James Doria rolled through to reduce the margin to just one-point at the first change, but the Industrials were able to take control from that point. Shane Brewster took the advantage from some high contact to Tye Holland and Joel Crowther converted from a lead soon after. Steven Ballingall cut off a pass to set up another Industrials attack, setting up Mitch Davies for a goal on the siren.

The Industrials continued to control possession in the third term, taking a measured approach to pick their way through the Poowong defence, but it was proving difficult to score in the slippery conditions that had been caused by a couple of intermittent showers during the Reserves match. A short pass to Poowong’s Tim Francis for a sliding mark and goal gave the Magpies some hope in a quarter that realised one goal apiece.

The Magpies pressed hard to begin the final quarter but could only manage minor scores. The Industrials stepped up their work rate but were also finding it difficult to score. Along shot from Tye Holland on the lead looked to have carried the line to finally break the Magpies, but a sea of players on the goal line made it difficult for the goal umpire to make position and it was deemed a minor score. A running shot late in the game sent the Industrials faithful into jubilation as the side moves into the preliminary final on Saturday.

Davies, Cooper Minichiello, Joel Morgan, Michael Ablett, Brewster and Ballingall helped the Industrials control proceedings.

Chris Robinson, Michael Harris, Jayden Sullivan, Jack Hazendonk, Matthew Cozzio and Jai Newcombe battled hard to keep the Magpies in the contest.