KDL | Nagambie and Avenel bow out of finals in thrilling weekend of semi-final action

After falling to Stanhope in a qualifying final, minor premier Avenel found itself back on its home deck and itching to respond and avoid a straight-sets finals exit.

But standing in the Swans’ way was a revitalised Shepparton East outfit which, after a lull in form towards the end of the home-and-away season, rediscovered its mojo with an influx of stars returning to the line-up.

In blustery conditions at Avenel Recreation Reserve, the two outfits — who many thought would meet in the decider — threw everything at each other in a high-octane and captivating contest that was dominated by defensive prowess.

And it was the class and experience of the Eagles that reigned supreme in the finish, with the likes of Tom McCluskey, Jamie Smith and Matt Rendina laying the platform for the 8.15 (63) to 6.9 (45) triumph.

Shepparton East playing coach Rob Osborne said it may not have been pretty, but he was glad his side was able to get over the line.

“Yeah, exactly, you take that. Every final is going to be high intensity and that was a high intensity game,” he said.

“Playing the best on their home deck, we knew they were going to bring it. It probably wasn’t our prettiest game that we’ve played, but we’ve just got to get away with the win and luckily that’s what happened.”

The first half was a classic example of a genuine arm-wrestle.

Avenel owned the inside 50 count and its tackling intensity was set to be East’s undoing.

There was no tomorrow for the loser and that was highlighted with the suffocating pressure that dominated the first two quarters of play.

Both sides received a rev-up at the main break, but it was East that came out with a lit fuse.

East’s midfield brigade got on top in the first 15 minutes of the quarter and won the clearance count and inside 50 entries in what was a class display.

The Eagles booted a match-winning 4.7, which could have easily been a seven or eight-goal effort, in the third term to put the onus back on Avenel to try and win the contest in the last term.

But a couple of goals to Avenel in the final quarter wasn’t enough as Angus Sutherland slotted the sealer — and the only goal to the highway end in the second half.

“I reckon the first half we were a little bit flat. I just told (the boys) we just have to lift,” Osborne said.

“We came out in that third quarter and did a bit of damage. We’ve just got to get a bit more accurate. We kicked 4.7 and could have put them away earlier if we kicked straight.

“Our backline stood up, the whole six of them stood up.

“They were under the pump from the first quarter through to the last quarter and they got the job done.”

Avenel’s tough on-baller Mitch Tobin was a class operator in the loss, however he didn’t receive enough support from his teammates.

On Sunday afternoon, Nagambie fell by 18 points in a thrilling semi-final against Lancaster at Central Park.

Finding themselves more than seven goals down at the final change, the Lakers mounted an epic final quarter comeback, closing to within two goals to send a major scare to the Lancaster camp.

But their efforts would end up being in vain, as the final score read 14.12 (96) to 12.6 (78).

A dour first half was followed by a goal-fest, with 17 goals booted after the main break.

The Wombats, led by best-on talent Nick Ryan and Cameron Simpson, were at their damaging best.

In dry and pristine conditions, the Wombats displayed slick and frenetic ball movement to post six goals in the third term and at one stage led by more than nine goals.

Up by 44 points at the last break, Lancaster could be forgiven for thinking it was home and hosed.

However, a Lakers young gun had other ideas.

Jonno Moore (three goals) showcased why he is one of the most exciting up-and-comers in the region with a couple of goals and big grabs.

Nagambie got within 18 points of Lancaster, but ultimately ran out of time to pull off a miracle.