Hanwood Football Club's Michael Bresolin
A BRACE for Hanwood Football Club star Michael Bresolin was enough to see his side secure the first berth in the Griffith District Football grand final, after defeating Wests Soccer Club at Hanwood Oval yesterday.
In what was a replay of last year's decider, history repeated itself with Hanwood too good in controlling the tempo and looking dangerous when able to string its passes together.
Wests will need to use their second chance in the finals as they lock onto Hanwood Juniors in this weekend's preliminary final, however, injuries will be of concern this week with three players failing to finish the game.
Hanwood FC coach Michael Catanzariti paid tribute to his side's young players who he said set the platform in the first half.
"It's nice to have the week off now and then we can study who we're going to play," Catanzariti said.
"The blokes in the first half they put the hard yards in and they got us over the line, and then I put the more experienced guys on.
"Because in the first 10 minutes of the
second half, I thought they came out really determined, and while they didn't get any clear shots, there were signs that they were going to crack us.
"So really without over exerting themselves, they did what they had to do and finished off the game."
Luke Papandrea and Bresolin were also stars for the home side, with several classy touches help putting their side on the attack and defusing Wests' attacking raids.
"They both did really well and I have to give to Adam Close who busted his arse all game and Jarrod (Gale) continues to play out of his skin in that position," Catanzariti said.
Hanwood looked to attack early through Jacob Vardanega as both side made attacking runs down the flanks, but the subsequent crosses did not find waiting teammates.
Wests' Gavin Wylie looked dangerous on the right wing early for the Magpies, as the talented youngster showed impressive speed and strength over the ball.
Vardanega looked to open Hanwood's account, after he pulled off a classy turn on the ball and split two Wests' defenders before goalkeeper Mitchell Woods smothers the shot.
But Bresolin scored the first for the afternoon when his side earned a corner, with the home side catching Woods out of position as the clinical header found the back of the net.
However, Bresolin's next goal was something special as he shimmy and lost two markers outside of the box before unleashing a savage right foot strike into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations from his side.
Wests hit the ground running in the second half and looked to put the result back on the table by being the first to score.
But that task became harder with Hayden Marlin and James Trevers limped off injured as Hanwood brought on experienced pair Jason Bertacco and Michael Musitano, who slowly choked the Magpies out of the game.
Hanwood's only injury concern for the grand final is Kris Angel who only last 20 minutes before calling to the bench, with Catanzariti saying he will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness.
GRIFFITH FOOTBALL RESULTS
First grade
Hanwood Juniors 1 d Yoogali FC 0
Hanwood FC 2 d Wests SC 0
Reserve grade
Griffith City 2 d Hanwood FC 1
Yoogali FC defeated Wests SC
All-age women
Griffith City 2 d Yoogali SC 1
Yenda defeated Hanwood FC
Under 17s
Griffith City 2 d Hanwood FC 1
Wests defeated Yoogali FC