Tara Murray
Newport moved through to the second week of the Western Football League division 2 finals with ease on Sunday.
The Panthers faced the Suns in an elimination final on Sunday, with the Panthers favourites to continue their season.
On the scoreboard, the Panthers had the game all but won at quarter time, leading by 39 points.
They kept the gap through the second quarter before extending it in the second half, winning 14.16 (100)-4.2 (26).
Panthers coach Rodney Van Riet said it was a pretty good performance.
“It was really good to walk away with a win and advance,” he said. “In finals you never know what will come up.
“We had a tough win against them last time and they came out ready to fire.
“The first 10-12 minutes was a real arm wrestle before we got things on our own terms.”
Van Riet said they needed to ensure they didn’t panic and stick to the game plan which they did.
He said they were first to adapt and were able to build from there.
The experienced finals player said it was a different feeling being a coach in a finals game.
“To be honest the nerves were higher being a coach than a player,” he said.
“We have a good team around us and a number have finals experience the last couple of years and it held us in good stead.”
The match came to an early end due to lightning.
Van Riet said they finished about 15 minutes early and in hindsight it wasn’t the worst thing as it gives them a little more rest heading into week two of finals.
Munir Elhouli, Hussein Hansa, Abdul Jawad and Jawad Jawad kicked two goals each for the Panthers.
Van Riet said that Heath Rafferty was clearly best on ground and has really stood up the last few weeks.
Captain Abdul Jawad was another key in leading from the front.
The Panthers now face Wyndhamvale in a knockout semi final on Sunday.
The Falcons beat Albanvale in their elimination final.
It was Wyndhamvale that won the first matchup between the sides.
“A lot has changed since then,” Van Riet said. “They are even across the board and they paly their game plan well.
“This will be another step up and another challenge and hopefully we come out as winners.”
Albion and Sunshine will play off in the other semi final with a grand final spot on the line.
In division 1, finals match ups are locked in.
Werribee has the week off after finishing top with a win against Caroline Springs in the final round. The win was enough to seal the minor premiership.
The Lakers will take on Yarraville Seddon in a qualifying final on Saturday, while Altona and Hoppers Crossing will play in an elimination final on Sunday.
