In a clash worthy of the top two sides, Wandin and Woori Yallock went head-to-head in a high-quality contest that lived up to all expectations.
The forwards on both sides were on song, and when the coaches sit down to dissect the result, they’ll find very little separating the two.
Woori Yallock will be kicking themselves after they opened the scoring in the first quarter with three behinds.
The failure to kick between the big sticks would cost them later on.
Wandin capitalised on this with four goals back-to-back, after Gibson converted later in the first for their only goal.
The first half was played at a frenetic pace that appeared to suit Woori early, though a scoreline of 10-28 didn’t reflect it.
Second quarter saw Woori get the opening points again, this time grabbing all six points.
Wandin’s Garner however bit back with two goals before Woori found a reply in the form of Matthews later on.
The rest of the second quarter saw Woori establish a goal-kicking rhythm as Thompson kicked one, Gibson got three and Gemmill also snagged one of his own.
Wandin kicked off the third with Mullett finally entering the scoreline, however Woori were constantly on their toes with another three goals.
With the end of the third, Woori were digging in, clawing back goal after goal as Wandin’s lead became increasingly threatened.
In scenes similar to their round two meeting, the game was anyone’s heading into the final change.
But it was Wandin who finished stronger – with seven scoring shots to one proving the difference as they ran out the game strongly.
They most definitely deserved to sing the song proudly in the change rooms post game.
Woori too deserve some recognition for providing the biggest threat against Wandin’s dominance this season.
Both teams have key players still to return, and if this is a taste of what finals footy could bring in 2025, the Yarra Ranges has every reason to be excited.
