Kerang returned to their brutal best with an 81-point thrashing of a shell-shocked Nyah-Nyah West United in Saturday’s preliminary final.
The win was set up by an opening quarter blitz by the Blues, who kicked eight unanswered goals to take a 50-point lead into the first break.
From there, the reigning premiers were never troubled, cruising to a 19.14 (128) to 5.17 (47) victory to set up a grand final showdown with Balranald this Saturday.
While the Blues were impressive, it was a disappointing performance by NNW United, who came into the match in form after strong finals wins against Lake Boga and Woorinen.
The Demons were banged up, however, with star defender Joel Walsh clearly hampered by a hamstring injury, which forced him to play deep forward after quarter-time.
But the damage was already done by that point, as Kerang obliterated the Demons in the first 30 minutes to show they will be no tough to beat in Saturday’s decider.
The Blues dominated in almost every key area of the game, from centre clearances to their pressure around the contest.
They outworked NNW United in the hot conditions, with their outside run and speed giving the Demons a taste of their own medicine.
Bradlee Pay, playing his first match for six weeks, was the main beneficiary for the Blues, kicking the first three goals of the match, and four in the first term.
He finished the day on the bench with six goals to his name, as Kerang put their veteran midfielder/forward on ice. The Blues also rested Sam Heavyside and Lachlan Ross late in the game, with an eye towards Saturday’s grand final.
Kerang’s midfield was magnificent, led by Josh Nitschke, Ryan Gillingham and Marty Kelly.
NNW United, on the other hand, seemed overawed by the occasion, with poor disposal coming out of defence costing them several goals.
That was in part down to Kerang’s pressure, as well as their ability to intercept mark across half back, with Ross and Sean Hunter picking off many of the Demons forward entries.
The form of Adam Hunter and Caleb Nitschke also would have Blues fans looking ahead to Saturday’s game with anticipation.
With Hunter and Pay returning, Kerang’s forward structure looked much more potent than in the second semi-final, as Hunter provided a strong marking target across half forward and Nitschke providing a constant lead up target through the corridor.
The Demons tried to work back into the game after quarter-time, but missed several gilt-edged chances in front of goals.
Having been moved to centre half back in place of Walsh, Nick O’Neill worked hard for the Demons, while Ethan Saville, Dom Gallo and Kayne Davidson tried to provide some run through the corridor.
But NNW United struggled all afternoon to find a consistent marking target inside their forward half, as Josh Hunter kept the dangerous Hassan Ahmat-Watkins to just one goal for the game and Gregor Knight performing a similar lock down role on Riley Daniels.
While the Demons season ended with a whimper rather than a bang, their side took huge strides forward in 2023 with a largely young and local playing group.
As for Blues supporters, they will look forward to the club chasing their 10th senior premiership on Saturday.
FINAL SIREN
| Kerang | 8.4 | 11.8 | 15.10 | 19.14 | 128 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NNW United | 0.2 | 1.8 | 4.12 | 5.17 | 47 |
