Yarraville-Seddon has been left with an uphill battle to claim its maiden Western Football League division 1 premiership.
The Eagles were outgunned by Caroline Springs in Saturday’s qualifying final, conceding 11 goals to three after half-time in a 34-point defeat.
They led by 12 points at half-time before conceding seven goals to one in a telling third quarter and four goals to two in the final term of the 16.12 (108)-10.14 (74) defeat.
Yarraville-Seddon coach Brad Julier said his team, which finished the regular season in second spot, was outclassed after an encouraging first half.
“We had a good first half and got our noses in front and the work rate and intensity lifted, and we just didn’t go with it in the second half,” Julier said.
“We weren’t horrible, but there’s definitely some things to take away from it.
“We get another chance, so hopefully we get to fix them up next week.
“I just think it was just our attitude and our work rate. Our pressure dropped away and it just allowed Caroline Springs to get their hands on the footy. We just couldn’t seem to get our hands on the footy in the second half.”
The result means the Eagles must win three consecutive sudden-death finals to lift the cup.
They will next tackle reigning premier Hoppers Crossing at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday, while Caroline Springs will face minor premier Werribee Districts in the major semi-final on Saturday.
The Eagles and Warriors have split their two meetings this season.
“Obviously we’re all disappointed with the result, but we’ve got another chance, so we need to move on fairly quickly and get our heads into next week,” Julier said.
Julier said Darcy Grieves and Riley Anderson led the way in the defeat, while Lachlan Green, Archie Campbell, Kobe Cikala and Wil Kliszewski were also named in the best.
Green, Michael Selsby and Tyson Brazel contributed two goals apiece.
Ryan Allan, Jamie Ristoski and Benjamin Davey booted three goals each for Caroline Springs, while Reece Blackman, Max Hudson and skipper Keenan O’Shea also earned mentions in the best.
Julier said he remained upbeat about his team’s prospects in 2025 after a 15-3 home-and-away campaign left it one game behind minor premier Werribee Districts.
“We definitely still think we’re good enough to get there and challenge,” he said.
“It makes it a bit harder now, but we know we’re playing every week now and we get that continuity. Hopefully we can win three more (finals).”
Julier said the premiership race was again wide open, with Hoppers Crossing claiming last year’s flag from fifth position.
“I don’t think there’s anything in it,” he said.
