Daylesford Bulldogs’ Senior AFL side produced one of their best performances of the season, toppling minor premiers Dunnstown 10.12 (72) to 9.9 (63) in Saturday’s First Qualifying Final.
The upset win not only handed Dunnstown just their second loss of the year, but also secured Daylesford a valuable week’s break and a direct path to the Preliminary Final on Saturday, September 13.
The Bulldogs started strongly and led at quarter time, but a scoreless second term saw Dunnstown wrestle control to take a 15-point lead into half time, 6.5 (41) to 4.2 (26). Daylesford regrouped after the break, dominating the third quarter with 4.5 to 1.1 to seize back momentum and hold on in a tense final term.
Alex Boyse was named best afield, while John O’Brien, Dion Lawson, Michael Cummings, Aidan Lambert and Jordan Schroder all played pivotal roles. Up forward, Trent Lee and Chris Molivas shared the honours with three goals apiece.
Dunnstown now face Rokewood Corindhap in the First Semi-final at Buninyong on Saturday, while Gordon will meet Bungaree in the Second Semi-final at Waubra.
Junior Football Finals
In junior action, Hepburn Burras Under-18s kept their premiership hopes alive with an 8.7 (55) to 5.4 (34) Elimination Final win over Newlyn. They’ll face Rokewood in a Semi-final at Buninyong this weekend.
Daylesford’s Under-15s bowed out of the finals after going down to Creswick 2.3 (15) to 3.9 (28).
Netball Finals
Defending Premiers Daylesford A Grade, who again finished the home-and-away season on top of the ladder, cruised past Learmonth 74–43 in their Qualifying Final to book a Preliminary Final berth. Hepburn also continued their strong season, defeating Springbank 59–47 to advance to a Semi-final.
In B Grade, Hepburn proved too strong for Learmonth, winning 45–32 to move straight into a Preliminary Final. Daylesford went down narrowly to Springbank 37–31, but will have another chance when they meet Newlyn in a Semi-final at Waubra on Sunday.
Daylesford’s Under-15 netballers also progressed, defeating Learmonth 33–17 to book a Preliminary Final at Eureka on Sunday, September 7.
Awards Recognition
Daylesford’s strong season was also reflected off the court and field at the Central Highlands Football Netball League awards night. A Grade captain Chelsea Imanisani and Seniors co-captain Ben Jones were both named in their respective Teams of the Year. Chris Molivas and Alex Boyse also earned selection in the CHFL Team of the Year for their standout seasons.
With football and netball finals heating up, local teams will be looking to carry their momentum into the next stage. Good luck to all sides flying the colours for Daylesford and Hepburn.
