Tara Murray
Newport weathered the storm in more than one way to win through to the Western Football League division 2 preliminary final.
The Panthers faced Wyndhamvale in a knockout semi final with a spot against Sunshine the falling week on the line.
The Falcons had won the only match up between the teams during the regular season.
Panthers coach Rodney Van Riet said the key to the match was adapting to the conditions the best.
His side was able to run away with an 11.10 (76)-6.7 (43) win.
“It was a tough day at the office,” he said. “We knew a win meant we were into a preliminary final.
“There was a strong breeze that died off a bit and then became a bit swirly, so you had to adapt to the conditions early.
“It was about weathering the storm and we knew they were going to bring it.”
The Panthers had the breeze in the first quarter and kicked the only four goals of the term.
The Falcons struggled to make inroads in the second quarter, still trailing by 17 points at half time.
Van Riet said they felt like they were in a good position at the main break.
“It was an arm wrestle for the first 15 minutes as we knew they were going to come out hard,” he said.
“We used the wind to our advantage and were able to kick some goals. The second quarter was about mitigating the damage.
“We were confident at half time if we stepped up we’d have the game in control.”
The Panthers kicked four goals to one to increase the lead before finishing off strongly..
Mustafa Mesto kicked three goals for the Panthers, while Munir Elhouli and Belal Mesto kicked two goals each.
Elhouli, Joshua Rafferty and Mesto were named the Panthers best.
Van Riet also highlighted the performances of Zach Del Grosso in the ruck and Heath Rafferty, who is putting together a good finals series.
He said they ended up down a midfield rotation late but it was only due to cramp in warm conditions and a taxing game in those conditions.
The Panthers now face Sunshine in the preliminary final. Albion, which beat Sunshine in the other semi final, awaits the winner in the grand final.
The Kangaroos won both match ups during the season but the margin the second time was just seven points in round 18.
“It was a seesawing game and it was a big improvement from last time,” Van Riet said. “I expect something similar this time. Everyone wants to play off in a grand final so the preliminary final is usually a good game, a high intensity game.”
The Panthers will have all three sides in action on Saturday.
The reserves will face Albion after losing their semi final on Saturday, while the under-18s will play Point Cook after losing to Werribee Districts.
