Mortlake Junior Sharks – a Deakin University affiliate – will launch their flag bid on Saturday after finishing atop the under 14.5 ladder.

The Craig Fowler-coached outfit is vying to become the first Sharks’ football side to win a premiership since the partnership was struck in 2008.

A Sharks’ 13 and under netball side claimed their maiden flag 12 months ago.

Fowler said he was proud of the Sharks’ efforts but expects them to face a stiff challenge from Kolora-Noorat in their second semi-final at Allansford Recreation Reserve.

“It’s been a bit of a journey for them to get strong but they’ve kept chipping away at it and finally there’s kids who have come right through the system, stuck together and had some success,” he said of the rise of the junior Sharks’ program.

“They are a pretty disciplined bunch as well and are very determined as well.

“They’re not the most skillful side in the competition but their determination and will to learn and take on board info has got them this far.”

Fowler said the Sharks’ success could also mark the rebirth of their under 17.5 side in 2017.

Fourteen of the current under 14.5 batch will move up an age group at the end of the season, sparking interest in re-submitting an under 17.5 outfit.

If not, the players will move to surrounding clubs, most likely Hampden league outfits North Warrnambool Eagles and Terang Mortlake..

“We have quite a few under 14s going up next year so we’re really hopeful of getting under 17s up and going,” Fowler said. 

“They have all played together since under 12s. I am pretty sure they will all stick together.”

Mortlake Junior Sharks won 16 of their 18 home and away matches to finish two clear of Kolora-Noorat.

“The boys finished, two or three years ago, under Jason Lehmann in an elimination final,” Fowler said.

“This will be their second final ever.”

The Loader triplets – Byron, Jordan and Nelson – Isaac Wareham, Jackson Bawden and Jack Lehmann are expected to play key roles. Injury restricted Wareham and Bawden to 19 games between them but both will play against the Power as the Sharks strive for a direct passage to the grand final.

“Our young kids who have just come into under 14s this year have really improved as the year’s gone as well – your Tommy Hetheringtons, Lachie McGavins, Ollie Manckes and Darcy Hobbs,” Fowler said.

“And Liam Wass, Max Naylor and Lachie Gedye are all doing their part.”

Merrivale and South Rovers are first semi-finalists.