West Preston-Lakeside produced a dramatic final term to defeat the previously unbeaten Greensborough by three-points in their Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 clash at J.E. Moore Park.
Chris Ryall’s three final quarter goals, all three putting the Roosters back in front in the match, proved to be the difference, as the hosts claimed their second win in a row with the 10.10 (70) to 9.13 (67) triumph.
Along with Ryall, Mohammed Yassine also kicked three majors as well as producing the intercept, and then assisting Ryall’s third goal, which ultimately became the major that sealed the game.
Max Dreher had an outstanding afternoon for the home side, with his impact apparent around the ground alongside midfielder Alex Federico.
Ethan Luke kicked a career high three goals, including the opening two majors of the final term to keep the Boro in the game, whilst Jamie Smith and Joel Trudgeon continued their good starts to the season.
Both sides now sit 2-1 but still hold a place in the top five as of the end of Round 3.
The tone was set from the first bounce with lots of contested positions shared between the two clubs.
Greensborough captain Jack Johnston and his defensive line were prolific, picking off attacks from West Preston-Lakeside and quickly sending the ball back into Greensborough’s forward 50.
Possession was dominated by the Boro but they were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard due to some great defensive pressure from their opponents and as a result, some clean transition off the half back line by the Roosters resulted in the home side registering the first goal of the game.
The Boro soon responded through Rayden Garrard but the home side would finish the quarter with two further goals to get to a 13-point lead at quarter time.
West Preston-Lakeside would this time dominate possession in the second term, but much like their opponents in the first quarter, couldn’t take their chances up forward, eventually going on to kick 1.5 for the term.
On the flipside, Greensborough started to find their groove and would produce a three-goal quarter to reduce the deficit to four points at the main break.
Their run of form came largely due to the work of ruck Jamie Smith, who’s dominance at stoppages allowed the Boro produce repeat entries inside 50.
Greensborough got on top early in the second half with Zac Hart showing a cool head from half back where he consistently found targets by foot.
But behinds are all Saade Ghazi’s men could muster, allowing West Preston-Lakeside to get on the front foot and make their opposition pay at the other end.
The Roosters produced their best passage of play for the game to kick their first major for the third quarter, as they worked from half back with some slick handballs, all the way to the forward pocket, where Marcus Federico kicked truly.
Further majors to Xavier Saviane and Mohammed Yassine pushed their advantage out to 18 points approaching time on, before a late Thomas Phelan goal put the visitors right back into the contest as they trailed by 10 heading into the final term.
Greensborough surged forward throughout the early stages of the last quarter, but West Preston-Lakeside’s defence stood firm, taking multiple intercept marks and applying good defensive pressure.
However, the Boro forwards eventually got reward for their relentless attacking mindset, as the speedy Ethan Luke kicked two goals in two minutes to put his side into the lead for the first time in the game.
But it would be the Roosters’ Chris Ryall who starred in the final term for his side. He kicked three goals in the final quarter, all three goals putting his side back in front, including his third major, which he kicked with just minutes remaining.
That third goal would prove enough for the hosts to hold on and claim a famous win.
