By RUSSELL BENNETT
THE best two sides in the EDFL this season have won their way through to preliminary final weekend after impressive wins this afternoon.
Bunyip got the better of Buln Buln in a low-scoring, cold and wintery slog at Longwarry 8.6 (54) to 2.8 (20), with Kris Fletcher enhancing his already enormous big game reputation and Jack Blakey slotting three majors.
But it was at Garfield where a real statement was made by the Cobras in their own qualifying final win – 10.7 (67) to 3.5 (23).
The Cora Lynn midfield had its colours lowered by its Warragul Industrials counterparts when the two sides first met for season 2015 just last week, but the likes of Sean Marchetti (who missed the Round 17 game), Nathan Gillis and Ricky Clark all stood tall at Beswick Street.
Marchetti was brilliant bursting through the centre at clearances, while Nathan Gillis did a superb job on the super-dangerous Joel Gibson in the second half. Clark didn’t have his usual disposal output but his work-rate was just enormous – as was that of his great mate David Main all over the ground.
Inspirational Dusties gun Shane Brewster was magnificent for his side, and his battle with Clark at stoppages was a real highlight in a day that won’t be remembered for classic footy.
Michael Ablett, Ayden Mills and Josh Peterson were also particularly influential for Warragul, which had to battle out the second half with two men down on the bench after Jeremy Cattanach came off worse for wear form a heavy knock, and Mat Willis injured his hamstring.
The Cobras set up their win with 10 scoring shots in the first quarter, but Mitch Wallace, skipper Tim Payne, Matt Langley, Luke Marchetti and Jack Allen were all brilliant in defence. Up forward, it was also the impressive team-first mentality from the likes of Anthony Giuliano, Jackson Dalton and Ryan Gillis (who didn’t have his usual scoreboard impact) that set the Cobras apart. Giuliano (four goals) was particularly damaging – looking every bit the match-winner just about every possession he gathered.
Cora Lynn’s win takes them to a perfect 17-0 on the season, while Bunyip will also enjoy next week off.
Tomorrow, two mouthwatering elimination finals take centre stage – Nar Nar Goon versus Kooweerup at Buln Buln, and Garfield versus Neerim Neerim South at Darnum.
Pick up a copy of this Wednesday’s Gazette for a comprehensive review of the weekend’s action across the EDFL and EDNA (including comments from Cora Lynn senior coach Travis Marsham and Bunyip player-coach Brad Walker), and a look ahead to next week.
Click below to watch two videos from Cora Lynn’s win over the Dusties – the first, a glimpse at the intensity of the Cobras’ pre-game warm-up; and the second a huge rendition of the team song.
Note: Videos come with a language warning.
