Hume City Broncos are hoping it’s third time lucky in the Big V men’s championship division.
The Broncos became the first side through to the grand final as they accounted for Keysborough Cougars in the semi finals.
It’s the third time under coach Matt Foster the Broncos have made finals. They are yet to win a title.
“It is great to be through for a third time and hopefully it’s third time lucky,” he said.
“We’ve been there or thereabouts every year and to get back in again and not do it the hard way and play next week, it’s good.”
The Broncos and Cougars were doing battle for the third time on Saturday night, having traded top spot on the ladder throughout the year.
The Broncos had won both matches during the regular season, but Foster wasn’t expecting to have it all their own way against the minor premiers who were coming in off a week off.
Another good start had the Broncos in front early and they led by double figures at each of the breaks.
It would be the start that was the difference in the end as the Broncos won, 115-99.
Foster said for a second straight week the group had come ready to play.
“The boys stuck to the game plan and focused on the scout,” he said. “They were switched on in the warm up.
“They played really well and hopefully it’s not the best game we will play for the season.
“It was one of our better games with the defence allowing the offence to flow.”
The Broncos shared the load around with all five starters scoring double figures, led by Kavione Green with 33 points.
Foster highlighted Robert Coman (21 points) and Elijah Saifalepolu (23 points) as two players who had really stood up to reduce the load on the others.
He said it was nice to see Derhyse Matautia, Haydon McIntosh and Noah McKenzie get some good minutes too.
“That had some big possessions,” he said. “We were in foul trouble early and then they rolled on later.
“They got to enjoy it. They’ve been with me through all the stages.”
The Broncos now have the week off before the grand final.
They will either play the Cougars or the McKinnon Cougars, who they beat in the first week of finals, in the grand final.
Foster said having played both sides three times they knew what would be expected.
He said they would stay focused on the court this week.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have announced that Brooke Davenport has re-signed as women’s coach for next season.
Davenport said she wanted to continue the hard work.
“I appreciate the vote of confidence in having me once again lead this talented group of players into hopefully a more successful campaign in 2026 – one not so severely impacted by injuries,” she said.
“The coaching and playing lessons learned under those adverse circumstances will be invaluable in planning for next season.”
