Tara Murray
Rupertswood’s first Essendon District Football League division 1 finals appearance came to an end on Saturday against West Coburg.
After winning their first final the week before, the Sharks faced the minor premiers in West Coburg, which were focused on redemption after a disappointing loss to Deer Park the week before.
It was a fairly even first half, with West Coburg leading by 10 points at half time.
From there, West Coburg found another level
It led by 28 points at the last break before finishing off strongly to win, 18.12 (120)-10.11 (71) to set up a grand final match up with Deer Park.
Sharks coach Arron Bray said West Coburg was just too good in the end.
“It blew out in the end,” he said. “We missed some opportunities at times that hurt us.
“They got a couple before half time and a couple early in the third quarter and it got out to four or five goals.
“I’m proud of the boys and what they’ve done this season.”
Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Sharks, while Brock Landt and Mitchell Johnson kicked two goals apiece.
Bray said Jackson Cardillo and Aaron West were good in the loss, as was Luke Cannon, Jordie Tentonello before it dropped off.
The loss means the Sharks finish the season in third spot, where they also finished the regular season.
Bray said the results reflect where they sit.
“They [Deer Park and West Coburg] are the best two teams and they deserve to be there,” he said.
“We didn’t recruit a great deal, so it’s been growth that has come from within the club. That is the most pleasing thing.
“If you had asked any of us in November last year if we would have taken finishing third, we would have snapped it out of your hand.”
Bray, who has already signed on for next season, said they would have a bit of a break before thinking about next season.
He said they would look to try and add some more depth to the club for next season.
“Everyone needs a break, we’ve had four practice matches, 18 games and three finals with only one week off.
“Looking at the depth, we had the senior side finishing third and equal on points with Deer Park and the reserves finishing bottom with one win.
“All the other reserves sides of the finalists played finals, it’s a good effort from our boys.”
Tara Murray
