Finals are here and only 5 remain. Tea Tree Gully are the hot favourites but Henley and Sacred Heart Old Collegians are pressing hard. This week we think SHOC and Old Ignatians will be the winners
By Justin Gerschwitz

Sacred Heart OC 19.20-134 defeated PHOS Camden 7.8-50 by 84 points at Camden Oval

Sacred Heart OC continued their impressive form with a strong 84-point win over PHOS Camden. The Hearts were clinical all game and could have dealt PHOS a greater winning margin if not for their inaccurate goalkicking. Oscar Lovelock led the way for the Hearts with a five-goal effort while Lachlan Button also contributed with four goals. Samuel Inglis impressed for PHOS, but it was not enough as their season comes to an end. PHOS finish in sixth on the ladder while Sacred Heart OC secured third spot and will look to continue their quest for the premiership in next week’s qualifying final. 

Henley 11.9-75 defeated Broadview 6.12-48 by 27 points at Henley Memorial Oval

Henley took care of Broadview with a 27-point victory to hold onto second spot on the ladder and get the home-ground advantage for their qualifying final match-up against Sacred Heart OC. With Sacred Heart trailing by just one game on the ladder and ahead on percentage, Henley came into the contest knowing that a victory was the only option. Poor goalkicking proved costly all day for Broadview as they constantly let Henley off the hook. Henley led the way at every break and held strong in a solid final term put the game away. Lachlan Varricchio dominated for Henley with an impressive five-goal haul while Corey Gray’s performance earned him best-on-ground honours. Chol Anyang’s class was on display for Broadview as he was named their best afield, but Broadview will be disappointed with a loss in a game they very well could have won. 

Seaton Ramblers 11.10-76 defeated Salisbury North 10.13-73 by three points at Salisbury North Oval 

Seaton came out victorious with a three-point victory in a close contest against Salisbury North. Salisbury came out the blocks strong to take a five-point lead into the quarter-time break. Seaton fought back in the second term to lead by six points at half-time and further cemented that lead in the third quarter to lead by 18 points at three-quarter time. The fourth quarter saw Salisbury North fight back in impressive fashion, kicking home the last four goals of the game to unfortunately fall just short in a tense finish. Tyler Carroll and Tommy-Lee Russo led the way for Seaton with three goals apiece. Anthony Hellebaut again impressed for Salisbury North with his two goals and a solid display around the ground. Salisbury North finish the season in ninth spot on the ladder while Seaton finished just short of finals in seventh spot with a record of 5-4. 

Old Ignatians 32.20-212 defeated Glenunga 6.11-47 by 165 points at Webb Oval

Old Ignatians put on the most dominant performance seen in Division 2 this year on their way to an emphatic 165-point victory over Glenunga. Old Ignatians kicked home a remarkable 32 goals as they hit peak form just in time for finals footy. 13 players hit the scoreboard for Old Ignatians with Cameron McPherson leading the way with a five-goal haul while Bradley Jones, Patrick Kerin and Cameron Ortlepp each contributed with three goals apiece. Jared Centenera also proved dominant for Old Ignatians in a best-on-ground display. Glenunga had few positives on a tough day out, but Dylan Smith impressed in his best performance of the season. Glenunga struggled all season long and failed to register a win as they finish in bottom spot on the ladder while Old Ignatians finish in fourth position and head into their finals campaign full of confidence. 

Finals Week 1 Preview 
QUALIFYING FINAL
Henley vs Sacred Heart OC at Henley Memorial Oval

Henley and Sacred Heart OC facing off in the first qualifying final at Henley Memorial Oval should prove an exciting contest. Sacred Heart OC have been in ominous form recently with impressive wins in convincing fashion. Henley have failed to continue their strong start to the season in recent rounds but have shown that at their best they are as good as anyone in the competition. Sacred Heart OC might just have the edge in this one – they are hitting form at the right time of the season and look to be true contenders for the Division 2 flag. Sacred Heart OC by 10 points 

ELIMINATION FINAL
Old Ignatians vs Broadview at Karen Rolton Oval

Old Ignatians showed out in the most resounding victory across the competition this season to defeat Glenunga by 165 points. They will be riding full of confidence and belief heading into this elimination final against Broadview who have shown they have what it takes to take it to the competition’s heavyweights. It’s hard to ignore Old Ignatians’ form in this one. It should prove a close contest, but home-ground advantage will also play a big factor and should see Old Ignatians get over the line.

 
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