Hawks, Tigers headline finals

AN Inverleigh verses Bannockburn double header is the jewel in the crown of this weekend’s finals match ups, as local teams head into post season action for the first time in two years.

Both the Hawks and Tigers’ seniors and reserves sides will meet in their respective Geelong District Football League qualifying finals, with all teams earning the double chance.

“It’s pretty unique,” said Inverleigh FNC president David Haste.

“The cross-town rivalry between Inverleigh and Bannockburn always makes for a great contest, doesn’t matter where we are on the ladder, it’s always a great game.

“It’s exciting and both country teams having reserves and seniors in the same qualifying final, on the same day, yeah, it’s going to be really good fun.”

The Hawks seniors went 15 and three in the regular season, and only finished off the top of the ladder on percentage.

Yet, win lose or draw, Mr Haste said the growth of his club and the rebound post COVID were just as important, as was the positive relationship with the Bannockburn Tigers.

“We work fairly closely with Bannockburn despite out rivalry and try to create a real community focus,” he said.

“We’re both Golden Plains based clubs and that goes in hand with trying to lock in Anzac Day as a permanent fixture. It’s important for our communities.”

In their two prior seniors meetups this season Inverleigh came out on top, registering a four-point win on Anzac Day, followed by a 36-point victory in early June.

Overall, Bannockburn’s seniors record was nearly as good as the Hawks in 2022, with a 14 and four outcome in the regular season, good enough for third place finish on the ladder.

Along with the Tigers’ football teams, Bannockburn’s A Grade netball squad also made the post season and will meet Werribee Centrals in an elimination final on Sunday.

In the Central Highlands Football Netball League, Rokewood’s A Graders are on court taking on top finisher Buninyong on Saturday in Waubra.

Bannockburn take.

MOR