Tigers make it seven finals wins in a row, Dees win a thriller!

By Josh Ward.

It was a thrilling first weekend of finals action in Division 1 as Mitcham continued its unbelievable finals run and the Dees kept their season alive in a heartstopper at Pinks.

Only 15 points separated the four sides that competed in the first weekend of what is a hotly anticipated Division 1 Finals Series.

Saturday’s Qualifying Final was the biggest margin of the two, with Mitcham outlasting a fast-finishing Park Orchards at Tormore Reserve.

The Tigers got off to a better start, kicking seven of the first nine goals to rush out to a five-goal lead deep into time on in the second term.

But Paris Harvie’s men started to find their groove before half time, kicking five of the next six goals to reduce their deficit to two points 26 minutes into the third term.

After kicking two late goals to swing the momentum back in their favour, the Tigers then held sway in the last, despite kicking one goal and five behinds, to secure the two-goal win and make it seven consecutive finals Division 1 victories.

Neil Winterton’s men will now return to Tormore Reserve to face minor premiers North Ringwood in the Grand Final qualifier, with the Tigers having not lost to the Saints this year.

Key posts Rod Ali were both influential across half back and inside forward 50 respectively, with Parente kicking what turned out to be a crucial four goals.

He was well supported by Guy Laughlin and the returning Mitch Johnson, with both kicking two goals on the day. Riley Nicholas and Jesse Cherry also had solid games.

For Park Orchards, Kane Keppel maintained his excellent season while Matt Haythorne continued to build form having only returned to the senior side recently.

Lewis Downie and Sammy Prest also built on already impressive goal tallies in season 2026, with both kicking two goals each.

They now return to Pinks Reserve to face Montrose in next Sunday’s do-or-die semi final after they won an enthralling Elimination Final yesterday afternoon.

It was a game of contrasting styles - with Wantirna South gaining ascendancy in the territory battle but the Dees often counter attacking and catching the Devils defence off guard.

That was the case in the first quarter as Jason Heffernan’s side failed to capitalise on their early territory dominance, kicking two goals and four behinds and trailing by three points at quarter time.

Early in the second Brett Johnson’s side started to make a move, kicking the opening two goals of the term inside the first five minutes to rush out to a 15-point lead.

After the Devils started to stabilise, the Demons then made another move, kicking three of the last three goals of the half as their foes’ inaccuracy continued to plague them.

Trailing by 19 points at the main break, Wantirna South came out on a mission in the second half, pressing hard and starting to create more threatening opportunities in attack.

Kicking four of the five goals in the term dubbed the ‘premiership quarter’, the Devils went from being behind to leading by the barest of margins at the final change.

The 2025 Division 2 Premiers once again had the early territory, but this time around the Dees defence held sway and didn’t allow them to fire off a shot.

Once again catching them off the transition and forcing them into a forward turnover, Riley Britton then slotted what would be the match winner eight minutes into the last quarter.

Montrose then had to withstand a barrage of foray’s forward from the Devils, holding their nerve in the dying stages of the final term to secure a famous victory.

Their defence was well served by ex-Croydon captain Fraser Smith, who reminded people why he’s one of the best defenders in Division 1 alongside Beau Tennant.

It was Tyron Galbraith that stole the show though in ruck and up forward, stepping up in the absence of the Big O and providing a headache for Jake Denes.

Wantirna South’s skipper in Denes was still solid in ruck alongside his brother Nathan Denes who had another strong game defensively.

Kyle Cooper starred in midfield, kicking three goals and playing a pivotal role in the Devils third quarter charge.

Their successful first season back in Division 1 comes to an end whilst the Dees keep their finals hope alive with their first finals victory since the 2023 Qualifying Final against the Tigers.