Tara Murray
The Suns are one step closer to their first Western Region Football League premiership after winning through to the division 3 decider.
Facing Albanvale in a semi final, the other standout team in division 3, the Suns were able to build throughout the game to come away with an 18.16 (124)-10.12 (72) win.
For Suns coach Dean Cachia it’s pretty special to have made it that far.
“It’s fantastic,” he said. “We’ve worked really hard to be in a pretty strong position and we wanted to make the grand final.
“We’re a bit disappointed the reserves didn’t get the job done as well, but we’ll get around them and hopefully we’ll both be there grand final day.”
On Saturday, the two teams headed into the game with a win apiece in their two earlier season match ups.
Come the semi final, it would be the Suns who would control the game. The Suns led at the first break and were able to extend the margin at each break.
“Albanvale started really well,” Cachia said. “As the game went on, we got the ascendency and we were really happy with how we played.
“It was a fantastic team effort from the boys.”
Cachia said John Tometly had a really strong game at centre half forward, while small forwards Cameron Joyce and Jarrod Vella also had really good games.
The man of the moment though was Cachia, as he kicked his 100th goal for the season with his third goal of the game. He would finish with four.
It’s the first time that he has achieved that milestone.
He was quick to praise his teammates for helping him achieve the milestone.
“100 goals is a great achievement,” Cachia said.
“It’s the first time I’ve kicked 100 goals, I’ve never been in such a dominant team before. I would not have gotten there without my teammates.
“Everyone was talking about it, but it was more important to get the win and do what we needed to make the grand final.”
Cachia said they would get behind the reserves this week as they look to make the most of their second chance.
He said they wanted the playing group to enjoy the experience. The club played in a grand final in 2018, but is yet to win a senior premiership.
“We have to enjoy this journey as it will not happen again for a lot of people,” he said.
“Enjoy the process and try to get the job done. Division 2 is where we want to be.”
The Suns will face the winner of Albanvale and Braybrook in the grand final.
The Brookers won through to the preliminary final after beating Sunshine Heights, 13.11 (89)-12.9 (81).
