After a dramatic final round of MDFL action and almost two years of waiting, finals football will return to western Victoria on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There was a series of entertaining games on Saturday as the league returned to action after a weekend hiatus.
For much of the season the league has been awaiting the match-up between the two undefeated sides, with Tatyoon hosting Woorndoo Mortlake in a must-watch affair.
And it was the Tigers who did not disappoint, announcing themselves as the premiership favourites with a thumping win.
Tatyoon lead at the main break 2.8 (20) to 2.6 (18), but a second half blitz saw the Tigers race away to a commanding win, 4.14 (38) to 12.16 (88).
William Henderson, Andrew Maconachie and Steven Butler were in the Hawks best players, but it wasn't enough to stop a rampaging Tigers outfit on their way to an undefeated season.
READ MORE:
In a tricky twist, the win clinched top spot for Woorodoo Mortlake, but they will now watch from the sidelines as the first week of finals plays out.
Meanwhile, Tatyoon will lick their wounds as they look to face Great Western in the qualifying final.
Despite the interrupted run to the finish line the reigning premiers are in strong form, including a strong win over Lismore Derrinallum in round 15.
The sides were evenly matched, but the scoring power of the Lions proved the difference, winning 17.10 (112) to 13.12 (90).
For the Lions, Damon Folkes bagged seven goals, taking his season tally to 70 from just 11 matches.
Jeremy Cronin and Jesse Bennett were also amongst the Lions' best on the day.
The win sets up a thrilling qualifying between Tatyoon and Great Western. In their previous encounter in 2021 the Hawks prevailed by 18 points after getting on top in the final term.
The Ararat Eagles also made history in 2021 earning their first Mininera and District finals berth.
The Eagles tuned up for their finals debut with an 80-point win over SMW Rovers, with Adrian Reid and Harrison Ennis amongst the club's best.
OTHER NEWS:
Meanwhile Glenthompson Dunkeld also returned to winning ways with a 119-point thumping of Wickliffe Lake Bolac, meaning the Eagles and Glenthompson Dunkeld will face of in an elimination final.
The last time the two sides met was in round five, with Glenthompson Dunkeld holding the Eagles at bay for a narrow in at home.
But much has changed since that match-up with both sides eyeing off a win and the chance to progress their season.
In the other matches of the final home and away season Hawkesdale Macarthur scored a big win over Caramut to finish their season 23.11 (149) to 4.3 (27).
While an inaccurate Penshurst was able to finish a tough season on a high note, defeating Moyston in a tight battle 6.15 (51) to 6.9 (45).
The MDFL and MDNA have also confirmed the venues for the rounds of finals to complete the 2021 season.
MDFL & MDNA finals fixtures:
Week 1:
- Saturday August 21: qualifying finals (at Moyston)
- Sunday August 22: elimination finals (at Woorndoo)
Week 2:
- Saturday August 28: second semi finals (at Alexandra Oval)
- Sunday August 29: first semi finals (at Lake Bolac)
Week 3:
- Saturday September 4: preliminary finals (at Lismore)
Week 4:
- Saturday September 11: grand finals (at Penshurst)
If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Ararat Advertiser, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ararat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.