Norths follow Easts blueprint

AFTER watching his team miss the major finals for the first time in a decade, Norths coach Jamie Burns hoped Norths would model its future development on Easts.

Fourth-placed Norths were eliminated from this year's title race after losing 2-1 to third-placed Wests in Saturday's A-grade men's knockout final.

Norths had enjoyed tremendous finals success the last 10 years. The Devils collected premierships in 2000 and from 2003-2007 before Easts won in 2008 and 2009.

“We want to try and keep our line-up,” former premiership-winning A-grade player Burns said, having taken over the coaching role mid-season.

“That's why Easts are going so good. They are like our Norths sides we had years ago.

“They've been together for a million years, they know each other's game. They're all mates.

“That's what we're working at getting back at. Nothing beats time. If you play together for long enough, it all comes together.”

Burns tipped Bellbowrie to be a force once they gel more.

While disappointed Norths were bundled out, Burns said the side had plenty of motivation to regroup for next season.

He said a “slack 10 or 12 minute period” in the second half cost Norths victory on Saturday after they led 1-0 from an Anthony Woodward goal.

Burns said he was prepared to stick with the club next season.

Meanwhile, Wests player/coach Jaden Ekert said his team was up for a huge clash with Bellbowrie in Saturday night's preliminary final.

Bellbowrie meet Wests after being beaten 3-0 by Easts in last Sunday night's qualifying final.

“The boys worked hard. Our defence was awesome,” Ekert said of Saturday's win.

“We've lost one in eight weeks or so. We've had a good run and we're getting there pretty well.”

Wests suffered a setback recently, losing defender Tom Bushnell with a broken leg.

However, left half Lucas Alchin, centre forward Brent Mackey and experienced striker Greg Walker have stepped up in recent games.