BY MICHAEL ESPOSITO
WYNDHAM VALE produced its first finals victory in 15 years after defeating Coburg Districts by 22-points in a tense Division Two elimination final on Saturday.
The Falcons were an outside chance of making finals mid way through the year but have won seven games on the trot to book a do-or-die semi-final clash against Parkside on Sunday.
After a physically taxing and tight three-and-a-half quarters, the Falcons kicked five goals in a row in the last quarter to run away with the victory and knock Coburg out of the finals race.
Paul Manitta, in his first finals appearance, exploded in the last term with two brilliant crumbing goals and another two assists, while full forward Dean Cachia was inspirational up forward with five goals.
The Falcons started in exhilarating fashion, kicking five straight goals to Coburg’s one, but the Lions found their way into the game, and if not for some wayward kicking, should have had their noses in front at the first break.
Coburg physically asserted itself after quarter time and got out to a 15-point-lead in the third quarter, but the Falcons withstood the Lions’ ferociousness and served it back up to them to stay in the game.
“As the game went on our tackle pressure went up,” said Wyndham Vale coach Luke Dennerley, who was prolific in the midfield.
“We didn’t play the perfect game by any means but I told the boys in finals footy it’s really hard to play the perfect game because you get an opposition who are going to throw everything at you and you’ve got a top five who are all competitive.
“It was important that we really settled after half-time. They threw everything at us. We thought with our youth and run we could wear them away as the game wore on.
“Coburg played a very good game of football, they were exceptional on the day. Their pressure at the stoppages was terrific.”
Dennerley praised the effort of midfielder David Gamble, who worked tirelessly to keep the Falcons in the contest in the first half, and defender James Damjanovski, whose desperation prevented several potential goals.
“Today was more workmanlike than we’ve done for a while and late in the game we were able to split it open which was really good, but for me it was all about rolling up the sleeves and hard work,” Dennerley said.
“It’s been a great leaning experience this year, wherever we go from here it’s a big tick.”
Wyndham Vale 17.10 (112) d Coburg Districts 13.12 (90).
