BREAKING: Laurimar Power has surged into the finals of the Northern Football League Division 3, securing a dominant victory over Ivanhoe with a final score of 15.12 (102) to 5.13 (43). This significant win on August 19, 2023, sets the stage for a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against the undefeated Fitzroy Stars.
The Power showcased resilience and strategic play, especially in the second half, after leading by 21 points at halftime. Coach Jimmy Atkins praised his team’s performance, noting a strong turnaround after a shaky first half. “It was good and we played well,” Atkins stated. “The second half we were able to get our run going and were able to win more of the contested ball.”
Star player Patrick Fitzgerald emerged as a key contributor, netting five goals, while Cooper Herbert was recognized as best on ground. Atkins highlighted the impact of younger players, stating, “They don’t have a care in the world and just want to play football and have fun.”
With this crucial victory, Laurimar looks forward to facing the Fitzroy Stars, who had a bye last week after claiming the minor premiership with a perfect season record. The Stars narrowly defeated Laurimar in previous matchups, including an eight-point victory in Round 14, raising the stakes for the upcoming match.
“We get to have another crack at Fitzroy,” Atkins emphasized. “Sometimes you can get stuck on what the opposition wants to do and it gives you nightmares. We will think about ourselves and play four quarters to give ourselves a chance.”
As the excitement builds for the semi-final clash, Ivanhoe will now face Kilmore in a knockout semi-final this week, intensifying the competition in the league.
In Division 2, the finals landscape is set, with Whittlesea securing third place with a 15-3 record, ready to take on MacLeod in a qualifying final this weekend.
This thrilling weekend of football is just the beginning as teams battle for glory in the finals. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds!
