DION Johnstone will have the chance to showcase his talents to AFL club scouts when Oakleigh Chargers take on Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup grand final.
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Johnstone was among the Chargers’ best in their preliminary final upset of North Ballarat Rebels at Princes Park on Saturday.
The former North Warrnambool Eagle kicked a goal in the 13.11 (89) to 8.9 (57) win, which came after two defeats in the fixture during the regular season.
His elation at victory was in marked contrast to the disappointment experienced by four south-west Rebels.
South Warrnambool’s Hugh McCluggage, Koroit pair Jarrod Korewha and Nick Hausler and Portland’s Tom Templeton figured prominently as David Loader’s side sealed the minor premiership.
But their shot at a flag – and a chance to end the Rebels’ 18-year drought – went begging after the Chargers turned a 12-point half-time lead into a 32-point triumph.
Korewha kicked a goal while Templeton figured in the best in his final match for the club.
Loader told The Courier his players were “absolutely gutted” after the siren but believed they should be proud of their season.
“At the end of the day, it's a big development competition as well and I think the boys are better off now than they were at the start of the year – I'm thoroughly convinced of that,” he said.
“There are a lot of guys that have improved out of sight.”
