By Marcus Uhe
Sein Clearihan joked after his side’s preliminary final win that Emerald and Berwick Springs are now so familiar with one-another that that they could go out for dinner together.
When the final siren rung on the gripping second semi-final between Emerald and Berwick Springs last weekend, spectators walked away wanting more; not even a buffet of four-and-a-half quarters of high-octane, high-scoring football with stars on every line could satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
Well, in a positive development for those of Bombers or Titans persuasions, grab your plate and make a beeline for your favourite Bain Marie – the football gods are granting the wish.
In the four meetings between the two sides this season, with results split down the middle at two wins apiece, the final margin of the total combined scores is separated by just seven points.
The biggest single margin – 25 points to the Bombers at home in round 10 – only coming after a final quarter surge from Clearihan’s side blew the game apart, having trailed late in the third quarter.
The second – 19 points – was in the most recent bout that required extra time.
In round three, it was on Tom Nelson’s boot after the siren who was unable to capitalise, while round 16’s three-point win saw the Titans storm back from a 36-point deficit and sneak home on a Hayden Stagg wonder kick from outside 50.
Any way you configure it, the stars are aligning for another classic.
David Johnson looks fit again after succumbing to injury in the semi final, ditto Callum White who missed that contest through injury, but both will have his hands full with one of Bailey Delves or Riley Hillman.
The Bombers will need to find a match-up for Stagg, who had his way with the Bombers last week, while Tom Nelson oozes x-factor and has made a name for himself in big moments late in the year.
Clearihan believes his side are underdogs, having made to qualify the hard way rather than skipping the preliminary final queue.
“You’ve got to embrace the week,” he said.
“It’s all done now, it’s up to them.
“Berwick Springs will be ready to go as well, it’s a grand final.
“You go out there and do your best, and hope for the best.
“We have to keep to our structures, be controlled and composed and hit the scoreboard.”
For Emerald, a flag would frank their credentials as the best side all year, having led from the front from start to finish.
The Titans, however, are chasing history, a first premiership in the club’s short history and the chance to send Rod Benstead out on a high, having made the decision to step-away from coaching in 2024.
The extra week’s rest is set to give the Titans an edge in the fitness stakes, but Emerald were the best side all year for a reason, and won’t go down without a heck of a fight.
The tip; the rapid rise of the Titans to continue, sneaking home by nine points in another belter.
First bounce: 2.20pm on Sunday 17 September at Don Road Sporting Complex, Healesville.
