Hawthorn through to VAFA Division 3 decider
HAWTHORN booked its place in the Division 3 decider with a 143-point win over Power House in the preliminary final on Saturday.
The Hawks lead 26.23 (179) to 5.6 (36) at the final siren.
Hawthorn coach Luke Mather said he was pleased his team played out the game after leading by 85 points at half time.
“The fact we put in a consistent four-quarter performance after being a long way in front was encouraging,” Mather said.
“It was a really good team effort to see the game out.”
Paul Nunan starred in defence, while best and fairest winner Sam Gold was fantastic as always. Jason Ince was also good up forward, booting five goals.
“A strength of our season has been that there are players who have stepped up every week,” Mather said.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Hawks with a number of players under injury clouds heading towards next week.
“We played out the last 10 minutes of the game with only 17 players on the ground,” Mather said.
“From halfway through the third quarter we had no bench, though a lot of that was precautionary with an eye on next week.”
The Hawks will face either Glen Eira or La Trobe University in the grand final.
The minor premiers secured their spot in Division 2 next year with the win.
THE FINAL SIREN
VAFA Division 3
Hawthorn v Power House
St Bernards (Saturday, September 3)
Hawthorn 5.4 16.10 19.16 26.23 (179)
Power House 2.1 3.3 5.6 5.6 (36)
HAWTHORN Goal kickers: J. Ince 5, R. White 5, S. Wintle 3, R. McDermott 3, S. Gold 2, L. Piccolo 2, C. Thomas, T. Bowler, K. Pargeter, J. Kenneally, M. McNeill, J. Raiti Best Players: S. Wintle, L. Piccolo, P. Nunan, J. Ince, S. Gold, D. Tremewen
POWER HOUSE Goal kickers: J. Theofanis 2, N. Nagel, R. Yak, B. Circosta. Best Players: D. Leonard, J. Theofanis, R. Yak, J. Walsh, D. Kilmartin, J. O’Neil