Williamstown CYMS has clinched an all-important double chance for the Victorian Amateur Football Association division 1 finals.
The CYs shrugged off a desperate Bulleen-Templestowe by 35 points in the final round at Ted Ajani Reserve on Saturday to secure the second ranking.
CYs coach Mathew Montebello said his side won ugly because it might already have had one eye on a blockbuster semi-final date with the undefeated Therry Penola at Northcote’s Bill Lawry Oval on Saturday.
“Good result, but it wasn’t a nice win,” Montebello said.
“We were playing against a side that was trying to avoid relegation and for some of our boys it was hard to keep their eyes off next week.
“When push came to shove, we did what we had to do.”
CYs captain Ben Gray produced arguably his best performance of the season.
Gray occupied a position on nearly every line to underline his versatility.
“He was sensational,” Montebello said. “He was full-back at one stage, centre half-back, in the middle, centre half-forward and full-forward.
“His skill set is too multi-dimensional to keep him in one position.”
Luke Molan was the CYs’ focal point, booting five goals.
Jack Gray (four goals), Nic Holdsworth, Ryan Danaher and Steven Puhar also had big days out.
Asked if CYs’ best football was good enough to trouble runaway minor premier Therry Penola, Montebello was quick to reply: “I think it is, yes.”
“We know that to beat a team that hasn’t lost a game all season is going to be a big ask, but that’s what you play finals for.
“We’re a young side so we’ve got to make sure we’re in the right head space and playing the style of footy we know we can play.”
