THE YEAR has flown, since the bounce of the ball in round one to now - beginning of the Mininera and District Football League finals' series.
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And one wonders whether any pundits would have been able to name the top five teams in all grades of football and netball.
The big surprise in 2014 is the senior premiers from 2013 Wickliffe/Lake Bolac and the reserves premiers Great Western will play no role in the finals' series. I don't think many would have picked that.
The qualifying final will be played at Caramut, in the seniors Tatyoon play Hawkesdale Macarthur in what should be a great game. The free running style of the young Southern Eagles against the experienced finals' campaigners Tatyoon.
Both teams have potent forward lines but the Southern Eagles have to shut down Damien Cameron and Kyle Chappel to have any chance.
Lismore/Derrinallum play Tatyoon in the reserves and the U16.5 games.
In the elimination final at Hawkesdale, Penshurst play Lismore/Derrinallum in what promises to be another fascinating game.
Penshurst is the favourite but it depends a lot on which Lismore Derrinallum team turns up.
The Demons' form has been very hot and cold all season. They started the season off well and have gone off the pace towards the end.
In elimination finals teams have to bring their A game because there is no second chance.
SM&W Rovers play Wickliffe Lake Bolac in the reserves. Last week Rovers had a great win over Tatyoon who sit above them on the ladder.
Adam Griffen kicked eight goals last week and will be a dangerous player up forward. The Pumas play Hawkesdale Macarthur in the U16.5.
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Admission prices for this year's finals have remained the same as last year. First two weekends, $10 16 years and over, $6 age concession.
Preliminary and grand final, $12 16 years and over, $8 age concession. If you are a player in the under age football and netball, admission is free.
Conditions of entry to every final are:
No BYO alcohol
No dogs allowed unless they are assistance dogs
All patrons are to abide by the MDFL's Spectators Code of Conduct which will be displayed at ground entrances, host clubrooms and in the programs.
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The new roving eyes all important selections:
Qualifying final: Seniors, Tatyoon. Reserves, Tatyoon. U16.5, Tatyoon. A grade netball, Glenthompson Dunkeld.
Elimination final: Seniors, Penshurst. Reserves, SM&W Rovers. U16.5, Moyston Willaura. A grade netball, Moyston.
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Congratulations to Jake Lloyd for his rising star nomination for round 21. The Sydney Swans player has had a stellar year and when you play in a team with the likes of Buddy Franklin, Kurt Tippett and Adam Goodes it must be a wonderful experience for a young footballer.
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Good luck to the teams that are chasing finals' glory - play your best and play like there is no tomorrow for some teams their season ends and they will hang the boots up in mothballs.
Remember the difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination.
