BALRANALD will play in their first grand final since their 2009 flag after knocking off the previously undefeated Kerang by 50 points.
The Blues now face a preliminary final against NNW United this Saturday after the 17.13 (115) to 9.11 (65) second semi-final at Greenham Park.
Despite the final, for two-and-a-half quarters the game was up for grabs, the ball moving from end to end as both teams made the most of opportunities.
When Caleb Nitschke marked and goaled 19 minutes into the third quarter, it looked like the Blues would run over the top.
But that five-point deficit was as close as they would get, the Roos piling on eight unanswered goals in a withering burst that stunned the reigning premiers.
There were very few weak links for Balranald, with their run off half-back and propensity to use the corridor helping to constantly drive them forward.
Kerang were often forced to kick long down the line and play wide, especially in the second half, and were at times unable to keep up with the Roos’ blistering outside run.
While Ryan Gillingham was a clear standout in the middle in his 200th senior game for Kerang, it was Balranald who had the better spread of contributors, with Matthew Neagle, Ian Fuller, Kobe Lloyd and Ryan Middlebrook dominating on ball.
Fuller was simply sensational in the first half on the wing and was a constant threat, while Neagle and Lloyd produced perfect four-quarter games.
While clearances and inside 50s were relatively even between the two sides for the first three quarters, Balranald’s dominance in tackles (24-17) and handball receives (21-13) highlighted the key areas of difference between the two premiership contenders heading into the final term.
Quite simply, poise with the ball and ability to hit targets in the forward half were key differences. Eight of Balranald’s 17 goals came from marks in their forward 50.
Drew Lloyd and Ben Fuller kicked four goals each. Lloyd’s came in the first half and Fuller provided a strong target.
Troy Davis and at times Ash Davis battled Fuller, who was never outmarked and brought fellow forwards Seth Connell and Leyland Brougham into the game.
Balranald were also strong in defence, where Jaxon Neagle continued his form to intercept many entries.
Jack Salau and Harrison Soraggi were solid in the back half with their run, which helped open the game up in the second half.
The same could be said for Kerang’s Sean Hunter, who was given the task of quelling last week’s hero Connell early on and performed his task admirably.
Troy Coates was lively early up forward, but with a lack of supply at times was forced to play higher up the ground, while Marty Kelly and Tyson Clingan also worked hard in the second half.
Michael Dalrymple, Lachlan Ross and Sam Heavyside returned for their first games back after missing several weeks with injury, and all three will be much better for the run come this Saturday.
The other selection dilemma for Kerang will be Bradlee Pay, the talented onballer who has now missed five weeks with a hamstring injury, but given the do-or-die nature of a preliminary final, is expected to face the Demons.
FINAL SIREN
| Kerang | 3.3 | 5.6 | 8.8 | 9.11 | 65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balranald | 4.2 | 9.3 | 12.8 | 17.13 | 115 |
