By Nick Creely
Corrie Wilson has long been a champion of local footy, particularly for his beloved Doveton Eagles, and it was only fitting that his side could flex its muscles and bank a huge Southern Football League Division 2 win in his milestone game.
The Eagles brushed aside third placed Keysborough at home on Saturday to break a game clear second in Wilson’s 250th senior appearance for the club and his 350th game of footy overall, 20.14 (134) to 9.12 (66).
Wilson’s footballing resume is long and expansive, it includes multiple premierships, league best and fairest’s, as well as almost a dozen club champion awards, and in a game with so much on the line, used all of his class to help bring down the ever-dangerous Burras.
The Eagles held just a one-point advantage at the first break, but with all of its forward depth and overwhelming midfield dominance, surged ahead to a 34-point lead at the major break.
The visitors enjoyed a better third term on the scoreboard, but still leaked nine goals as the Eagles’ forwards put on a show, kicking away to a major percentage boosting and vital distance in the top-two.
Apart from Wilson – who had the ball on a string as he has been known for – Cameron Carmody, Nick Beer and Michael Callinan had a major impact on the contest, while Adam Read had an impressive day down forward with four majors.
For the Burras, who will look to quickly move on from the disappointing result, Matt Carnelley provided a target to boot three, while Dion Elefantis battled hard.
Ladder-leaders, Springvale Districts, meanwhile, also banked a crucial win, holding off a fast-finishing Hampton side away from home, 9.9 (63) to 8.10 (58).
The Dees led by 20 at the final change, but the Hammers roared home with three of the four final term goals to just fall short.
In Division 3, Hampton Park was a class above Ashwood, 15.14 (104) to 4.10 (34), while Endeavour Hills banked an away win against 13.14 (92) to 2.4 (16). And in Division 4, Hallam won a thriller against Frankston Dolphins, 7.8 (50) to 7.5 (47), while Lyndale went down to Carrum Patterson Lakes, 13.21 (99) to 5.12 (42).
In the Eastern Football League, Noble Park went down to the powerful Vermont at home, 18.18 (126) to 9.6 (60), with Kyle Martin (four goals) playing almost a lone hand for the Bulls in another brilliant display from the former Collingwood midfielder, while a disappointing Rowville fell to Norwood at home, 13.13 (91) to 3.10 (28). Anthony Brolic was the best for the Hawks on a tough day.
After 14 rounds, Rowville is well placed for finals, sitting in fourth spot, while Noble Park need to get a move on, sitting in seventh.
