It's another derby decider as Rovers overpower Saints

Wangaratta Rovers will face their archrivals Wangaratta in an Ovens and Murray senior grand final for the second year in a row. The Rovers outlasted a gritty Myrtleford side by 28 points in front of more than 3000 people at the Albury Sportsground on Sunday to split the Wangaratta community in two once again this week. LET'S GO: Noah Scholte celebrates after kicking the first of the day. It’s the third grand final in a row for the Wangaratta Rovers who are seeking an historic three-peat at Lavington. Unlike last year, the red-hot Magpies will start as favourites following their comprehensive 43-point second semi-final win when the teams last played a fortnight ago. MAD ROOSTER: Alex McCarthy was one of the Rovers' best in his 100th senior game. Rovers led from start to finish in the preliminary final and despite Myrtleford going within 14 points on two occasions in the second half, the Rovers always seemed to have the answers. Rovers made the most of their first look at goal with an opportune Noah Scholte sneaking one through at the goal square. The Saints had plenty of opportunities going forward in the first quarter but failed to convert, finding them selves two goals in the rear at the break after a Joel Smith goal. BATTLE OF THE BIG MEN: Ed Dayman and Riley Smith went at it all day in the ruck. Costly turnovers in their back half would hurt Myrtleford in the second quarter as the ruthless Rovers side opened up a five-goal gap when Lockey McCartney slotted a set shot from just inside 50. The Saints finally found an avenue to goal on either side of half-time through Lachie Murphy-Dale and Cooper Thomason, but again were snuffed out by the class of Mitch Hardie who pounced on a loose ball up forward. Myrtleford were able to string another pair of goals together late in the third quarter when ruckman Riley Smith came across the pack to take a mark in the goal square and Myrtleford began to make inroads. BACK TO HIS BEST: Sam Murray looked in fine form during his team's preliminary final win. The Saints came again to start the last quarter to bring the game within 14 points, but for every punch Myrtleford threw, the Rovers landed one back. Dylan Wilson, who was the most likely up forward throughout the day, kicked a third goal halfway through the last quarter and Will Christie would kick the sealer moments later, with final scores reading 11.12 (78) to 6.12 (48). Hardie was sensational for the Rovers while other prime movers through the middle Charlie Thompson and Xavier Allison all fired. LOOKS GOOD: Lockey McCartney likes the look of his shot on goal. Jai Dal Zotto was tenacious in the contest all day along with Alex McCarthy, who celebrated 100 senior games with the Rovers alongside his coach Murray. Will Christie and Ed Dayman, who had injury concerns prior, to Sunday’s clash made it through unscathed while Murray, who had battled two hamstring injuries in the latter part of the year, looked back to his best. For the Saints Zac Pethybridge was a one-man wall in defence, taking several goal-saving intercept marks throughout the day. GAME CHANGER: Mitch Hardie was the best player on the ground on Sunday. Josh Muraca and Jaxon East provided a spark through the midfield while the ruck battle between Smith and Dayman was top shelf. It’s the second year in a row Myrtleford have reached the penultimate game of the season and been defeated.

It's another derby decider as Rovers overpower Saints

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