Charging on: Oakleigh Chargers’ Luke McDonald attempts to break a Dandenong Stingrays tackle yesterday. Picture: Ari Hatzis
OAKLEIGH Chargers are a game away from the TAC Cup grand final.
The Chargers set up a date with North Ballarat Rebels this weekend with an impressive 18.7 (115) to 10.9 (69) win over Dandenong Stingrays in an elimination semi-final yesterday at Visy Park, Carlton.
Chargers region manager Mark Smart praised his players for their speedy ball use and attention to detail against the Stingrays.
"We certainly did our homework well during the week," he said.
"We were able to focus on quick ball movement and our run-and-carry.
"The boys were also really composed to make sure we made our entries into the forward line with method, which gave us opportunities to get on the scoreboard."
Smart said the Chargers had identified the need to target their kicks into their forward 50-metre line accurately and keep the Stingrays defenders from being able to spoil.
"The lads moved the ball forward with real speed and kicked to dangerous areas.
"Their defenders are good rebounding defenders and like to drop off their opponents to spoil.
"So we tried to keep the match as a one-on-one contest and not be predictable in how we kicked inside 50, which the boys certainly did."
Chargers midfielder Luke McDonald led the way for his side with 29 disposals and eight marks. Highly touted midfielder-forward Jackson Macrae had 28 disposals, five marks and a goal along with Ryan Exon, who had 25 disposals, six marks and three goals.
Jason Pongracic had 20 disposals, 10 marks and two goals while Lachie Whitfield had 18 disposals and five marks to lead the Stingrays.
Smart said Rebels scouts were watching the Chargers yesterday.
"They were looking at us, so we'll have to do our homework this week."
He also said the Chargers looked unlikely to have any injury concerns heading into the preliminary final.
Oakleigh Chargers play North Ballarat Rebels at Visy Park, Carlton, this weekend. The TAC Cup had yet to announce the day and time of the match when the Weekly went to print yesterday.