Tara Murray
Newport’s hopes of a Western Football League division 2 grand final were dashed after the Panthers worst performance of the season on Saturday.
After two strong finals wins, the Panthers took plenty of confidence into Saturday’s preliminary final with Sunshine.
The margin was just seven points in the final round in favour of the Kangaroos.
On Saturday though at Pennell Reserve, it was all the Kangaroos.
They led by 33 points at quarter time and 73 at the main break with the game all but over.
The Kangaroos continued the onslaught in the second half, winning 21.14 (140)-3.8 (26).
Panthers coach Rodney Van Riet said it was a disappointing way to end the season.
“One bad day of footy at the wrong time it ends your season,” he said. “Unfortunately that’s footy.
“We went in with some good form. Things didn’t go our way and credit to Sunshine who are a good team.
“They were better on the day.”
Van Riet said the Kangaroos were able to control the ball in the middle of the ground in the first half and they couldn’t stop them.
He said they couldn’t wrestle control back. He said the second half they were more on par, but the damage had been done.
Mustafa Mesto kicked all three goals for the Panthers.
Saad Ali, Joshua Rafferty and Belal Mesto were named their best.
While the season ended prematurely for the Panthers, Van Riet said it was still a successful first year in charge.
“The club is in really good shape moving forward,” he said. “Lots of things are going right and there’s been a lot of growth and improvement.
“Our 18s in their first season in division q made finals. We had 12 play their first senior game of football for the club.”
It will be a new challenge for the Panthers heading into next season, with the club promoted to division 1.
Van Riet said they were excited for it.
“Hopefully everyone will stick together and hit pre-season hard,” he said. Hopefully we can pick up some recruits on the way.
“Division 2 into division 1 is always a challenge. I’m excited with what we can do in division 1.”
Meanwhile in division 1, Yarraville Seddon’s season has ended in straight sets.
Facing Hoppers Crossing, the Eagles were chasing for most of the day.
Hoppers Crossing was too strong, winning 13.14 (92)-6.15 (51).
Anarkiikonda Van Wills was the only multiple goalkicker for the Eagles, with two.
Connor Dalgleish, Leo Attersall and Brandon Lester were named the Eagles best in the loss.
The Warriors will face Caroline Springs in the preliminary final, with Werribee Districts awaiting the winner in the grand final.
