Tara Murray
Laurimar pulled off a ‘gutsy’ win to seal a second straight Northern Football League division 3 grand final appearance.
Facing minor premiers Mernda, the Power’s experience proved vital in the last quarter when they were able to hold off the red hot Demons.
The Power led at quarter time by nine points and were able to maintain that margin in the second quarter to lead by that margin at half time.
The Power kicked away slightly in the third quarter, to lead by 22 points heading into the final quarter.
The Demons, who were playing their first final in a number of years, came hard early in the last quarter and hit the front.
While the Demons had the momentum, they weren’t able to continue it with the Power kicking two goals late to seal the, 11.9 (75)-9.10 (64) win.
Power coach Jimmy Atkins was thrilled to have locked in a grand final spot again.
“It was gutsy in the end,” he said. “We spoke about it a lot the last couple of weeks about getting the opportunity again, we’re very happy about it.”
Atkins said while there were a few nervous moments, the group did what they needed to late in the game to get the win.
He said they were thrilled with the composure of the group late.
“I thought for a fair bit of control throughout,” he said. “The last quarter they came at us and we fought back in the last 10 minutes.
“They hit the front before we were able to kick a goal to get the lead back and then kick another one on the siren.”
Atkins said a few niggles and knocks meant they played part of the game with just one rotation on the bench, which meant guys who didn’t get minutes early had to stand up late to help get the side over the line.
Noah Mooney kicked four goals for the Power, including the deciding two goals. Kaiden Arthur was the other multiple goal kicker for the Power, kicking two goals.
Atkins said Mooney and Aidan Clarke in the ruck were their two standouts.
Bryce Kimuliatis kicked four goals for the Demons with Nathan Baccega and Jesse Guelfo named their best.
Despite a few niggling injuries, Atkins said they would have a full squad to choose from for the grand final.
He said sometimes they question whether the week off is good or bad, but he said in this case they were happy to take it.
It was a good day for the Power, with its reserves side also winning through to the grand final. The reserves side is aiming to complete the perfect season.
Atkins said they would have a lighter night on the track on Tuesday before training like normal on Thursday and having a session on Saturday.
The Demons will face Old Eltham Collegians in the preliminary final.
