How do you beat Aberfeldie? That’s the question Greenvale will be pondering in the lead-up to Saturday’s Essendon District Football League premier division grand final.
No team has had the answer to this question all year, with the Gorillas entering the grand final unbeaten in their 19 matches.
The Jets came closest in round one, when they lost by only nine points. But when they met again two weeks ago, the Gorillas smashed the Jets by 50 points.
Greenvale bounced back on Saturday beating Keilor 18.16 (124) – 10.7 (67) in the preliminary final to get another shot at Aberfeldie.
Jets coach Shannon Grant said it was pleasing to see the side bounce back the way it did.
“We played really well and the way we responded from last week was the really good part,” he said.
“We weren’t happy with our efforts last week and had some real honest conversations and reviews in the lead-up to the game.”
Despite leading at every break, Grant said it wasn’t until late in the game that he felt his team was in control.
“You always want high intensity and tough games ahead of grand finals and we got that,” he said. “We started well and it wasn’t until late in the last quarter we felt the game was ours. We got tested and it was what we needed.”
Nicholas Parthenopoulos kicked five goals for the Jets, while Nick Maric kicked three.
“Everyone played their part and contributed,” Grant said. “It was one of the more evenly spread games we have had this season, which is one of the more pleasing things from the game.”
Grant said the Jets had no injuries and selection would be difficult this week.
“The reserves had a really good win and several of those players will put their hands up,” he said. “There may be one or two changes … it’ll be a tough selection.”
But how will Greenvale go about beating the Gorillas?
“No one has been able to do that this year and it’s not going to be easy,” Grant said.
“We have to make sure we are on and if we play with the same intent we did this week we should be in with a chance.
“Everyone needs to play their role. I have a lot of confidence and am looking forward to the game.
“We’re there in the grand final, so we’ve given ourselves a chance. But it will be tough.”
