Kinglake forward Luke Nott marks the ball in a game against Thornton. 52586
By Mara Pattison-Sowden
FINALS fever is travelling though the Yarra Ranges at the speed of light.
The Mail has asked Yarra Valley Mountain District Football and Netball League CEO Stephen Walter for his take on who could be celebrating at the end of September.
In the football, Mr Walter said the Division One seniors team in hot form was Woori Yallock.
“They will be hard to beat, however, it has been one of the most even seasons in many years and any of the top five teams are capable of beating everyone else,” he said.
“It may well be Woori’s year, but I wouldn’t disregard any other teams.”
Mr Walter said the Division Two raging favourites were Yarra Glen, which has only lost one game this season, to Kinglake.
“Both Kinglake and Seville’s form has dropped off considerably,” he said.
“Yarra Junction has been a surprise, running hot and full of confidence, but I can’t see anyone knocking off Yarra Glen.”
He said the highlights of the year have been from the Olinda boys, who have come up from Division Two and managed to make the finals in all sections of Division One.
“Their abundance of young talent has put them in good stead,” Mr Walter said.
He said another highlight was in Gembrook. “They’ve been a standout team,” he added.
“They recruited well last year but had lots of injuries, this year they’ve had an exceptional season.”
Mr Walter said for the first time in ages, Monbulk didn’t manage to make it to the finals.
He said the netball has been gone “outstandingly well” in the Yarra Ranges.
“It’s grown from five to 60 teams over the last five years. We’ve had a huge rise in terms of participation and interest,” he said.
“A few clubs are wanting a fourth division, because they have so many people wanting to play.”
He said that in the Division One A Grade Mt Evelyn looks unbeatable.
“Monbulk and Wandin have been good performers but Mt Evelyn will be hard to beat,” he said.
“Powelltown have been unstoppable in Division Two, but the new team on the block is Emerald and their form has been sensational. They’ll give Powelltown a good shake up,” he said.
The Football and Netball Division Two grand finals will be held on Saturday week at Gembrook and the Division One grand finals on Sunday 19 September at Woori Yallock.
