SUNSHINE STORMS INTO DIVISION 2 GRAND FINAL
The Division 2 Grand Final is set after Sunshine secured their place in the 2024 decider with a commanding Preliminary Final win over Newport.
The Kangaroos were simply too good for the Panthers on Saturday as they locked up their Grand Final place on the back of a barnstorming opening half.
Twelve goals to one across the first two terms saw Sunshine lead by 73 points at the main break before their advantage grew to beyond 100 at the end of three quarters as Newport had no answers being held to a single goal up to the last change.
The Kangaroos would finish with six multiple goal kickers in the 21.14 (140) to 3.8 (26) win with Matthew Medcraft topping the list with four majors, while Mustafa Mesto contributed all three of Newport’s goals.
Captain Patrick O’Keefe and Kurtis Barnard were the best performers for Sunshine who face one final test against Albion in Saturday’s Grand Final.
It was a disappointing final outing for Newport who would have rated their chances against Sunshine after some strong from to end season which included a narrow loss to the Kangaroos in Round 18.
All three teams (Albion, Sunshine and Newport) will meet in Division 1 next season in a re-structured 12-team competition.
Meanwhile, Albion will appear in the Reserves Grand Final against Sunshine as they joined their senior side on the competition’s final day with a 48-point win over Newport earlier on Saturday.
Just three points separated the Cats and Panthers at quarter time, but Albion dominated from there with Corey Savage starring with five goals.
In the Under 18 Division 2 Preliminary Final, Point Cook Centrals avenged a Qualifying Final loss to West Footscray by defeating the Roosters in game that went to extra time.
At the end of the four quarters scores were locked at 40-all before two decisive goals helped the Sharks sew up an 11-point win and set up a Grand Final clash with Sunshine.
The Division 2 Grand Finals will be played at Pennell Reserve on Saturday.