By Nick Creely
The Eastern Football League is just one step away from claiming the number-one ranking in the state after a thrilling two-point -18.10(118) to 17.14(116)- victory over Essendon District on Saturday.
The AFL Victoria Community Championships clash at Bayswater saw two of the powerhouse metropolitan leagues lay it all the line. Eastern looked set for a comfortable day at the office after kicking out to a 21-point lead at the first break, extending to 34 at half time before Essendon made their move.
With former AFL players Cameron Cloke and Courtenay Dempsey getting busy, Essendon kicked 8.3 to 6.0 in a brilliant display of attacking football from both sides Still 19 points down at the final break Essendon kept coming, peppering the goals and placing the Eastern defence under immense pressure.
Patrick Rose then kicked two quick goals for Essendon – the second from a freakish one-handed grab to get his fifth.
With the clock ticking, Essendon became desperate, and with 15 seconds left on the clock, and with three-points the difference, Rose gathered the ball and sprayed his shot to the left to end any hope of a stunning victory.
Noble Park’s Ryan Morrison was impressive for the EFL, showing excellent composure, but it was Leigh Williams who was adjudged best on ground with four goals.
Eastern will return to the main stage next year, taking on the Geelong Football League for the number-one ranking.
Down at Marriott Waters in Lyndhurst, Southern FL defeated Central Highlands FL 9.6(60) to 8.8(56) in a tight and tense affair.
After last year’s excellent 49-point victory over Ellinbank District – Southern – sky high on confidence, were on song early, kicking a few early goals before Central bit back and pegged the margin to under a goal at quarter time.
Despite the game becoming an almighty arm wrestle, Southern started to take advantage of their opportunities, with forwards Daniel Farmer and Lucas Walmsley looking ominous in attack.
Taking in a 13-point lead at half time proved crucial for Southern in the long run, with scoring drying up considerably and Central not giving an inch of space in the second half.
But a bit of class, grit and luck meant Southern were ahead of the ledger when the final siren sounded, giving them a classic victory.
Walmsley, the Dingley star wingman, was best on ground in a classy display, while fellow Dingo Josh Ferguson was influential.
In the Under 19’s, Southern 12.13(85) comfortably knocked off Central 8.2(50) after a blistering start.
Dingley half-back Nick Lloyd was best on ground in an impressive performance, while young Keysborough forward Rhys Graham’s three goals proved crucial.
Meanwhile, the unbeaten run of the South East Football Netball League has come to an end with a brave 18-point -13.19(97) to 12.7(79) – loss to a Jonathan Brown-led Hampden at Casey Fields.
The bottle-greens were clearly the better side in the first half but allowed SEFNL to stay in the contest through some poor conversion up front.
SEFNL really lifted its rating in the third term, kicking 5.2 to 2.2 to take a nine-point lead into the final stanza.
“Be bold, be brave, because it’s going to take a brave effort,” SEFNL coach Michael ‘Jock’ Holland told his players at the final break.
“You’ve got the license to play exciting footy, aggressive footy, but at the same time we have to play smart.
Lower the eyes and starve them of possession.”
SEFNL gave it’s all in the last quarter but that third-quarter effort -and being two-men down in the final term- finally told over the dying stages.
Berwick’s Michael Riseley was superb for the Demons down back, while Narre Warren pair Michael Collins and Trent Cody were solid contributors through the midfield. Tooradin’s Andrew Dean kicked five for the Demons with Cranbourne’s Shaun Marusic and Pakenham’s Jake Smith chiming in with a couple each.
The Demons drop to thirteenth on the rankings.
