The Thirds played Cheltenham in the Semi final. The winner would go into the preliminary final whilst the runner up, starts Mad Monday. The sides had met twice throughout the year, with the results split and the winner being the home team in both matches. The change rooms at Power Road Reserve, Doveton were filled with excitement with the coach, Dallas Saxby had nerves like a six year old on Christmas day awaiting to see what presents Santa had left under the tree.

The Yarras were more accurate in the first quarter than their counterparts, kicking 3-1-19 to 2-3-15. The Yarras played brilliant football in the second quarter, linking up well, and driving the ball into the forward line. At half time the Yarras held an 18 point lead.

The Backman, including Klomp, Dixon, the Baby Cow, Thompson, Paull and Mills were in chorus, as their opponents didn’t get a look at the red Sherrin. Whilst Monok destroyed Cheltenham’s hopes of playing another week by kicking five goals in addition to assisting Bertone to kick a goal. Cameron, Bertone, Falkenberg, Bell and Dore provided tremendous pressure in the forward line making it incredibly difficult for Cheltenham to rebound the footy out of defence. They surrounded Monok like vultures on a dead carcass circling around to kick a goal themselves. The midfielders attacked the footy without caution. Halverson, Johnson, Wise Bros, Quince and Kai worked hard together, frustrated the opposition and controlled possession to set up a nineteen point lead at three-quarter-time. The fat lady started rehearsing in the wings. The Yarras fought hard in the final quarter to ensure victory by 23 points.

The Thirds will now play in the preliminary final against Skye at Springvale Reserve, Springvale on Saturday 16th September at the prime time of 2pm.

You’ll see the Yarras behind the BBQ at Bunnings, Hawthorn this Sunday 17th September.

The Yarras are now seeking expressions of interest for the Reserves and Thirds coaching positions for the 2018 season. If you would like to apply for either position, please email your interest to southyarrafc@gmail.com.

Presentation night is on 23rd Sept. 2017, start booking your seats! Details are on the Facebook page.

Special thank you to all of our sponsors including Brady Tiling, Hawthorn Hotel, Kingston Trophies, Rounds Real Estate, Simply Health, Q Dental, Hunter Industrials, Eleven Ten Advisory, Melbourne Periodantal, Safety-Wear, Avon Tyrepower, Yo Get It, Signs Here, Rainbow Meats, Helloworld, Flight Centre, Inner Eastern Physio, Coltivare Fruit Supply, McKenzie Allen Lawyers, Bendigo Bank (Surrey Hills/ Canterbury/ Ashburton/ Balwyn), The Swan Street Auctions, Merchant Electrical, Juventino Café Restaurant, RPJ Internet Solutions and all 250 Club, past player members, partners and all Player sponsors.