The last game of the Essendon District Football League regular season has come and gone and the season now ends for the teams from Lakeside Drive. The final round matches against Westmeadows Football Club produced plenty of highlights as we said goodbye to some of our much loved club legends but unfortunately we could not produce the results we were after.
The Ressies came out firing in what was the final game for skipper Beany and Coach Phil. With a strong breeze at their back the boys got off to a great start, having 10 scoring shots to 4 but we were slightly wasteful in kicking 4.6 to 2.2 but held a 16 point lead at quarter time. Phil asked the boys to focus on winning the ball and keeping it out of the Tigers hands in the second term and despite the breeze behind them the visitors could not capitalise on our scoreless quarter as the defensive unit held firm, restricting Westies to 2.6 which meant we were only 2 points behind at half time. With the breeze once again at our backs the boys thought they had a chance to put the Tigers to the sword but the away team really dug in and started running the ball well, outscoring us 1.3 to 3.1 and the lead had increased to 2 goals at the final change. Phil asked for one last big effort for Beany but kicking into what was now a very stiff breeze was also going to be difficult as the Tigers ran away kicking 9.2 to 1 goal to eventually triumph by 62 points. Beany finishes his career a two time premiership winning skipper and one of the most respected men at the club. His passion and desire were always on show and he gave it 150% every time he hit the track, despite the fact every second weekend he also doubled-up playing SuperRules. The back line boys will certainly miss you Beany. Phil also leaves a great legacy behind, having coached the boys to a Reserves flag in 2017, a reserves grand final in 2018 and then our first year in Div. 1. Thanks Phil and Beany! Goalkickers on the day were Barnesy and Mazin with two each while Marc and Verga kicked 1 apiece. In the best for the final time this year were Buzza, Barnesy, Verga, Marc, Eyad and Dylan.
The seniors were looking to send retiring legend Macca out on a high with a win over Westies and for 3 quarters it looks like we might be able to deliver on that dream. A rousing pre-game speech from Ronny and the obligatory "Get your Dimmies out for Macca" call had the boys fired up and when Macca went on a bit of a rampage slotting 3 goals in the first term, it looked like we might just about cause the upset. A 6.2 to 1.2 first term was just the start we wanted though with the breeze behind them in the second quarter, we knew the Tigers would come at us hard. For the first 15 or so minutes of the term we held the visitors at bay but a few late goals saw them claw their way back into the contest, though we still held a 6 point lead - 6.2 to 4.8. After half time we peppered the goals but couldn't split the middle often enough, kicking 3.6 for the term to 2 behinds so we took a 28 point lead into the final quarter. Faz asked the boys to leave nothing out there on the park and the boys gave it their all but the class of a few of Westies stars (mainly Castello who ran amok) told in the end. A goal 45 seconds into the final quarter had the margin under 4 goals and another quick goal meant we had to defend against a howling gale for another 20 or so minutes and it wasn't to be. Westies added 8.2 to 2 behinds for the quarter to run out 20 point winners - 9.10-64 to 12.12-84. Macca kicked 3 in his final game while Cappa and Tinkers kicked 2 and Mosh and Bmac added one each. The best on the day were Friesy who's had a great year holding down the ruck following the early season injury to the chicken lover Ferras, H, Mosh, Jay, Barney and the retiring Macca. A big shout out to Kaj who also announced his retirement during the week following a knee injury the previous week. You will be greatly missed out there big man! We'd also like to thank the entire Westmeadows Football Club coaching staff and playing group who formed a guard of honour for Maccca as he was chaired from the ground. Classy stuff Tigers and much appreciated.
The fact the we were able to push a finals bound team is something that all of the boys and the coaching staff should be proud of. We've come a long way since the first few rounds and as we've said here before, the past few Division 2 premiers have come straight back down with no wins and one win respectively so to not only stay up but to also win 3 games for the season and be right in a few others until late in the game shows how far we have come. Faz and the coaching staff have put in a tremendous season and the boys have now had the experience, they know what is required from a fitness/skill point of view and know where we can improve. Let's get good numbers to pre-season training boys and prove that we've got what it takes to stay up again next season.
This weeks wrap is bought to you by ALL of the club loyal sponsors. Sponsors like ours are the lifeblood of our club and without their support we could not have achieved what we have this season. Remember to support our sponsors and let them know we appreciate all of their support and well wishes.
YPA Estate Agents Meadow Heights
Mowers & More
Roxburgh Park Hotel
The Mantello Group, comprised of Mantello Holden Roxburgh Park, Mantello Nissan, Mantello Hyundai,
Mantello Suzuki, Mantello Kia Fawkner
Webcap Maintenance and Construction
Oporto Roxburgh Park and Broadmeadows
EnVie Fitness Greenvale
Anytime Fitness
Alpha Lewis Signs
Ultra-Tune Roxborough Park
D&D Smash Repairs
Roxy Computers
McDonald's Roxburgh Park
