End of season excitement

By Kath Gannaway
FOOTBALL fever hit the Yarra Valley on the weekend as a record crowd saw the up-and-coming stars of local footy giving their all for a chance at a 2006 premiership cup.
In an unprecedented spread across the Dandenong Ranges Junior Football League’s territory, 13 teams were represented and five clubs experienced the full elation of that one day in September.
Emerald, Mt Evelyn, Belgrave, Gembrook Cockatoo and Healesville fans went crazy as final sirens sounded throughout the day providing the ultimate climax to six months of training, muddy football jumpers, tears, fears, emerging mateship and never-to-be-forgotten memories.
Warburton-Millgrove will carry those same hopes with them into the YVMDFL second division grand final on Sunday when, unbeaten in the seniors, they meet first-time YVMDFL contenders Thornton-Eildon in a game which has as its reward more than a flag, more than personal or shared glory. For the winner, the chance to go into first division competition will be the real prize.
Burra president Rodney Woods said there is a nervousness attached to their no-loss performance.
“We’re confident, but we’re not overconfident,” he said.
“There’ll be no ifs or buts if we win, though. Division one is where we want to be and where we belong.”
Warburton’s reserves also have their hopes pinned on a flag, having lost only one game throughout the season. They play Alexandra.
Woori Yallock is playing their old rivals Healesville in the seniors for their do-or-die chance to remain in the finals.
Club president Trevor Selby says the team is playing well, and coming off a win against Silvan they will be giving it their all to add another flag to their collection.
On the other side of the valley, Healesville in first division have an opportunity for their first seniors grand final since 1988 and, if luck showers down on them, a chance for three flags – seniors, reserves and Under 18s.
It’s a long-shot, and there are a few games to get through at this stage but, according to club president Greg Hay, it’s a dream worth fighting for.
One thing for sure, when it’s footy, whether you’re an 11-year-old stepping out on to the ground for your first grab at grand final gold, a finals veteran or a die-hard fan, the streamers, the shouts, the anticipation and the desperation are at fever pitch when finals time comes around.