By Tara Murray
East Sunbury displayed no nerves as it took to the field for its first ever final in Essendon District Football League division 2.
Despite not playing its best football in the first half against Moonee Valley, the Thunder led at the first two breaks on Saturday.
The Thunder then successfully fought to apply more scoreboard pressure, its running power showing through in the final quarter.
Six goals to two in the final term sealed the Thunder’s first finals win 15.7 (97)-4.12 (36).
Thunder coach Glenn Hopkins said that despite finals at this level being a new experience for most of the players, there was a sense of calm among the group.
He said they handled the pressure well and weren’t overawed by the situation.
“They were excited more than nervous,” he said.
“They’ve grown with confidence with the results.
“They played really well against Coburg Districts and it put them in a good mental level heading into the game.”
Hopkins said they were switched on right from the start, but it wasn’t until the second half that they really played well.
“The game was played the way Moonee Valley wanted it in the first half,” he said.
“There was a lot of stoppages and a scruffy game. We talked about it at half-time – about getting the game going our way, getting our running game going.”
Hopkins said it was the young guns that led from the front.
Brad Bernacki and Tom Cree led the way in the midfield, while Lachlan Brne and Will Wright were strong in defence.
Diquan Williams kicked three goals moving between attack and defence, while Mitchell Johns kicked two goals after moving forward in the last quarter.
Hopkins said they had switched their key forwards around all day, and thought that Johns would provide a good contested target up forward.
Cree kicked two goals.
The Thunder will face the Northern Saints in a preliminary final this weekend.
The Saints lost their semi-final to Roxburgh Park 15.7 (97)-4.12 (36).
Roxburgh Park awaits the winner in the grand final.
The Thunder and Saints have played each other three times this season.
The Saints won two of the three games, including the most recent by a point.
Hopkins said they needed to continue with the sort of form they displayed in the second half on Saturday.
“It will again be another physical game with these guys,” he said.
“We’ll try and make it as open as possible and get our run and carry going.”
