The Mininera and District Football League enters the key component of the 2017 season with finals time, as the premiership is one of the most open affairs for many years.
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During the season many supporters declared Lismore-Derrinallum flag favourites and were unbeatable.
Maybe a touch of arrogance filtered to their football operations last week by resting four key players.
SMW Rovers dished up a 10 goal to one last quarter to grab a 38-point win which eliminated the Demons as minor premiers and the week’s rest.
The Demons Ryan Elliot a Lewis Medal favoured player is under a cloud for the finals due to suspected injury, this would be a major loss for the Demons.
Moyston Willaura the quiet achievers became Minor Premiers after a 93 point thrashing of a premiership contender and reigning premier Tatyoon, who slipped from third to fifth on the final ladder.
Saturday commences the first weekend of finals as Caramut hosts Saturday’s qualifying final between Lismore-Derrinallum and Wickliffe-Lake Bolac.
Sunday’s elimination final between Penshurst and Tatyoon will be played at Derrinallum.
The quiet achievers Moyston-Willaura have the weeks rest before the second semi-final at Hawkesdale on September 2nd.
The league board has announced the 1st semi-final scheduled at Woorndoo has been transferred to Willaura on Sunday September 3rd following a ground inspection.
Wickliffe-Lake Bolac held their best and fairest vote count before a massive crowd after last Saturday’s game:
Tristan May was the winner of the Stuart Knight Medal ahead of runner up Bailey Veale.
The highlight of the night was the presentation of life memberships to two triple Lewis Medal winners Michael Jennings and Bradley Keilar for long and distinguished service to the club and football in general.
Jennings record includes three Lewis medals as well as being a senior Premiership Coach, interleague Coach, under-12 Coach, reserve and senior level field umpire with great game knowledge and a highly respected Legend in all football circles.
In one season Michael flew from Noosa every weekend to play for the Magpies.
Brad Keilar’s record will be in next week’s column.
First finals weekend tips:
Qualifying Final - seniors: Lismore-Derrinallum v Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, reserves: Wickliffe-Lake Bolac v Glenthompson-Dunkeld, under-16: Great Western v Penshurst
Elimination Final seniors: Penshurst v Tatyoon, reserves: Lismore-Derrinallum v Moyston-Willaura, under-16: Hawkesdale-Macarthur v Glenthompson-Dunkeld.