Violet Town booked its place in the Kyabram District Football Netball League under-18 grand final with a comprehensive 52-point win against Shepparton East at Tallygaroopna Recreational Reserve on Saturday.
Following 62- and 79-point victories earlier in the season over Shepparton East in round four and nine respectively, confidence was high among the Towners faithful that the under-18s could set up a rematch of last year’s grand final with Nagambie.
The first quarter started with plenty of balls inside its forward 50, but Violet Town was unable to capitalise on this domination until 10 minutes were left in the quarter and Max Smyth kicked his first major.
Five minutes later, Smyth would kick another to give the Towners a 15-point lead heading into quarter time.
Captain Sam Leigh made the second quarter his own, kicking three goals for the quarter including one from a free kick just inside the 50m line.
A four-goal-to-none quarter gave the Towners a commanding 40 points at the half, with the Eagles kept scoreless.
Shepparton East came out of the sheds with a bit of fire in the belly and the Eagles were able to kick a goal three minutes into the third quarter courtesy of James Doyle, and would close the margin to 38 points at three-quarter time.
The fast pace of the last quarter was to Violet Town’s liking as it consolidated the lead with a five-goals-to-three quarter, with both Sam Leigh and Max Smyth kicking their fourths as the margin was extended to 52 points by the final siren.
Once again, Nagambie lies between Violet Town and premiership glory.
In 2023, the Towners won the flag by eight points, but after the Lakers’ 38-point semi-final demolition two weekends ago, they will go into the decider as slight favourites.
Violet Town 12.11.83 defeated Shepparton East 5.1.31
Goals: Sam Leigh 4, Max Smyth 4, Charles Thompson, Nathan Butler, Rory Sammon, Jye Dunn 1
Best: Charlie Hall, Nathan Butler, Charles Thompson, Flynn Weeks, Harvey Bell, Sam Leigh