After a long preseason and regular season, the finals were upon us. Mazenod were undefeated up until this point and had shown class against every opponent. After a struggle for some to find the ground, it proved to be in fantastic condition with outstanding grass cover, the boys had no excuses.

The match started as a bit of a stalemate. Ferocious tackling was the theme, and both teams were hitting hard. Everyone seemed to be clean as well which showed maturity and composure in a game that was surely going to be grinding.  The first quarter was slow, and the wind proved to be troubling with both teams getting rid of their nerves through some bad decisions. Darcy Cotchett started brilliantly and continued this all day. With a 7 point deficit, no one was worried as this game was going to be close all day.

2^nd quarter was a carbon copy of the first. The xavs tackling was the best it had been all year, and the attack on the ball was phenomenal. After Mazenod kicked the first 3 goals, Matt Vlahos took it upon himself to get the forward line in motion and was clean with his pick up and clinical in his disposal setting up team mates and himself to get the Xavs on a roll. Tom Ferne was throwing himself in, and coming out with bruises, while Jeremy Preece and Zac Pirrie had no respect for their bodies. The Xavs were up and about at half time and were determined to maintain the pressure.

The 3^rd quarter started with the first goal being critical. Mazenod needed something to stay in the game, while the Xavs could have put their opponents away mentally. Mazenod lifted and kicked the first, then it was goal for goal until Mazenod got the break to win the quarter by a goal. The Mazenod boys were getting angry and resorted to physical intimidation which didn’t work as the Xavs were focused and ready for whatever they had thrown their way. Nick Costa was outstanding on one of Mazenods star players, leading to that player being dragged for the game midway through the 3^rd quarter. James Emonson was also given a key roll in shutting down the regular season highest goal kicker and did so emphatically, keeping him to 1 goal which luckily dribbled through a pack of players.

At 3 quarter time the atmosphere was electric. 2 goal game, a week off and a spot in the grand final up for grabs. Nothing needed to be said. The boys were up and about, amped up, but composed at the same time. The last quarter turned into a bloodbath. 1 goal to 5 goals 6 behinds. The young Xavs showed they are read to play finals football. Tim Dillon was sighted all over the ground, kicking goals, linking backs to forwards and winning ruck contests. Matt Margin, with a broken thumb, punched from behind, took marks and ran around player after player setting up much of the Xavs attack. The regulars in Campbell, Reed, McLure, Hess, Nunan, Elliot, Pititto and more all at one point in the game lifted above their opponent and beat him. What ended up as a 42 point win was due to a complete team performance, with minimal mistakes and a stubborn defense.

Now with a week off, and a grand final spot the boys must prepare themselves, and not get complacent as 2 years ago the under 19 premier team did the same to De La Salle and lost in the grand final.