Lalor focused on premiership glory

Harley Ryan was best on ground. Picture Shawn Smits

There’s still four quarters of football to go.

That’s the message from Lalor after they won straight through to the Northern Football League division 2 grand final.

The Bloods defeated Hurstbridge 14.14 (98) – 9.6 (60) on Saturday to secure their first grand final appearance since 2007.

Club president Rodney Lowry was ecstatic at the effort of the boys.

Only nine points separated the Bloods and Hurstbridge at three quarter time, before a six to one goal last quarter saw the final margin balloon out to 38 points.

“We are a very happy club and there’s not much more you can ask for than making a grand final,” Lowry said.

“It was a matter of time before the boys kicked away in the game. The key was finding the right balance.

“It was a well balanced, well drilled and well coached win.”

“It’s an amazing feeling, but the job isn’t done.”

He said whichever team adjusted to the conditions the better was going to come out on top.

“The conditions were atrocious,” Lowry said.

“We were very focused and once we adapted to the weather we were fine.

“The players listened to instructions and did what they had to do.

“They piled it on in the last quarter.”

Harley Ryan was best on ground, while Ben Curtiss was dangerous in front of goal kicking three majors.

Lowry said the team would go into the week off with a clean bill of health.

“No reports and no injuries.

“To finish on top and get the win and week’s rest is really good.

“We have come good at the right stage and made it to the big dance.

“We’ll train like normal and get to the game on Saturday to watch who we will play.”

He said several players who played in the 2007 grand final were still at the club.

“It has been a long time coming and there are still a few players around who were kids at then.

“It‘s a beauty to have club sticking together and flourish like we have.”

The Bloods will play Whittlesea or Hurstbridge in the grand final.