By Jonty Ralphsmith
Devon Meadows has tuned up for a third successive finals campaign with a merciless 19.10 124 to 9.14 68 victory over fierce rivals Pearcedale.
The Panthers won every quarter at Glover Reserve with the big guns firing and 10 players hitting the scoreboard.
The hosts pulled away with a seven goal second quarter, led by Brendan Hermann, who finished with 28 disposals and six clearances.
Nick Battle was once again one of the best for the Panthers, while Joel Hillis kicked four goals and gave three off with the firing midfield led by ruck Riley Simmons, who won 46 hitouts – Pearcedale won just nine.
Patrick Ryder got excellent delivery inside 50 and finished with eight contested marks and four goals, with the crumbing forwards at his feet benefiting from his ability to at least bring the ball to ground.
Daniel Hellyer epitomised Devon Meadows’ desperation throughout the day, mopping up at ground level and applying pressure when the Dales threatened to peg back the margin, while he also took five intercept marks in a strong showing.
He led the backline effort, with their ability to neutralise in the air against a strong side a major positive after Edithvale-Aspendale’s key forwards got the ascendancy in the Panthers’ most recent top five clash.
It’s the fifth consecutive week that Devon Meadows has conceded 11 goals or less, with the defence tightening up at the right end of the season after conceding some big scores through the middle of the season.
The Panthers will face Chelsea in a qualifying final at RJ Rowley Reserve on Saturday, with the winner progressing to the second semi final against Edithvale-Aspendale and the loser to face either Somerville or Pearcedale in a do-or-die match.
The Panthers broke Chelsea’s undefeated streak when they played during the season, winning 15.10 100 to 6.11 47.
It was a statement game that started with winning contested footy and applying the heat, and the match was won without Patrick Ryder, missing through injury.
“Every time they got the footy, we put a focus on relentless pressure and that gave us a leg up,” coach Hendy said following that game.
“We had plans in place and to execute the way we did with our tackling pressure and hunger to win the footy.”
