By Chris Chick
Halfway through season 2014, the thought of playing finals football for four bottom ranked Division Two clubs seemed unimaginable.
Fast forward nine weeks and the opportunity to be part of finals football is exactly what Albanvale, Braybrook, Sanctuary Lakes and Laverton have to look forward to as they lace up the boots to play in the new Division Three senior finals this weekend.
Splitting the Division Two competition after Round 13 this season to form a new six team Division Three competition has been a welcomed move by clubs, with many struggling in the higher grade for a number of seasons.
With Laverton having not tasted premiership glory for a quarter of a century and Braybrook looking to break their lack of premiership success since 1999, it is certainly exciting times ahead for the final four over the next three weeks.
While it is a long time coming for some of the older clubs in the competition, for Albanvale and Sanctuary Lakes, the opportunity to play finals football will be driving them to secure their very first senior flag in the club’s history.
Finishing the season in third position on the ladder with a 7-11 record, Sanctuary Lakes will need to navigate their way through an Elimination Final against Laverton on Sunday August 24 if they want to keep their premiership dream alive.
Sanctuary Lakes President Danny Galea says that the introduction of a Division Three has been a positive one, allowing sides like his the chance to experience finals for the first time.
“We think that the introduction of Division Three was always going to be a great concept, it keeps clubs like ours excited about having an opportunity to possibly be playing in a Grand Final.”
Galea also said that although his club could perhaps be seen as underdogs in the finals series, that the Sharks are a big chance to make the Grand Final.
“As we are currently in third place, I believe we have a great chance of playing in a Grand Final,” he said.
“The two teams above us, Albanvale and Braybrook are extremely tough competitors but anyone can win on their day.
“We have more than efficient coaching staff that are exceptionally proud of the players and we have players that love playing for the club, so anything is possible.”
Another side who would consider themselves the dark horse of the finals campaign is the Laverton Magpies, who finished fourth on the ladder and will take part in the Elimination Final against Sanctuary Lakes.
Laverton President Scott Mizzi says that although the club would have preferred to stay in Division Two, the club is excited to have the opportunity to be able to play finals football.
“Whilst the our club would have preferred to stay in Division Two due to the belief that it would be increasingly difficult to attract sponsors and players to a Division Three club, we welcome the opportunity of playing finals.”
He also believes that win or lose this weekend that it provides a great springboard for the Magpies going into next season.
While the North Sunshine Football Club's seniors missed out on the final four this year, there is still a buzz around Dempster Park with the club's Reserves team qualifying for finals.
Having been on the end of some significant scorelines for a number of seasons, the club is excited to have the chance to experience finals action, when they battle it out for survival against Albanvale in the First Semi Final on Sunday..
Be there for all the action of the Division Three Finals series when it kicks off this Saturday and Sunday from 11:50am at Hogans Road Reserve, Hoppers Crossing.
Follow Chris on Twitter @chrischick24
Last Modified on 20/08/2014 11:10