Whittlesea have kept up their winning ways in MC Labour Division 2, seeing off Thomastown by three points in what was a hard-fought display at Main Street Recreation Reserve.
Having led by six goals towards the midway point of the opening quarter, it looked as if the visitors were in for a big afternoon, though the tide would change quickly afterwards, as a contest full of momentum swings followed.
Scores were level at three quarter time with only two goals kicked between both sides in the final term, and it was Jaron Murphy’s set shot conversion with only moments remaining in the match that saw the Eagles run out 13.9 (87) to 12.12 (84) victors.
Although they came into this game off an emphatic 79-point win over Watsonia last week, Whittlesea only managed 3.11 to half time in that match, and would be thankful to have started stronger out of the blocks on Saturdat, with their blistering opening term proving to be the difference in the tight finish.
Garry Ramsay’s men kicked seven of the opening eight goals of the contest, to lead by an incredible 36 points just past the midway point of the first quarter.
But just as remarkably, Thomastown would respond in a big way, kicking the next eight goals of the half before taking a 12-point lead into the main break.
The match would turn into an arm wrestle in the third term.
Having looked to have come to a halt after getting out to a comfortable lead early in the piece, the Eagles had seemed to have regained the ascendency with a four-goal quarter.
The Bears had only managed two majors in the same period but would have the final say of the term as James Lucente, who’d had a relatively quiet day, would pluck a mark on the stroke of three-quarter time and have a chance to put his side ahead going into the final change, however, he’d only convert a minor score.
Scores were level at three quarter time as a result, making for a highly anticipated final term.
Having finished the third quarter on the back foot, the Eagles got back on the attack to start the last, but despite peppering the goals, they only managed behinds.
The away side were made to pay for those missed opportunities as against the run of play, Aaron D’Angelo marked and goaled to give the Bears a four-point lead midway through the term. Having been damaging up forward throughout the afternoon, he looked destined to be the hero for Thomastown.
But after some ill-discipline from the hosts, Whittlesea would move quick in transition, resulting in Jaron Murphy marking the ball just inside forward 50 with minutes remaining. He calmly converted the kick to produce his third major of the game and ultimately, the match winning goal.
Murphy started the game well, kicking two goals within a minute of each other in the early stages of the game. He’d continue to cause headaches for Bears defenders throughout the remainder of the contest with his height and speed off the lead.
Eagles captain Xavier Dimasi was at his brilliant best again and having already come into the match in terrific form, he produced a textbook captain’s performance.
Playing across half-forward as well as further afield, he’d win plenty of the footy and was dangerous with his run and carry. He also impacted the scoreboard, finishing the day with three majors.
Further afield Deakin Tennant and Lucas Hobbs were impressive with their work around the ground, and were just as impactful when pushing forward, with Hobbs kicking two goals.
Julian Janev produced one of his best efforts in Thomastown colors and though he wouldn’t finish with a goal next to his name, he’d still be directly involved in creating chances for his teammates throughout the afternoon, while his work in the middle part of the ground was immense.
Also helping to spark the Bears revival was captain Anthony Capeci, who tried everything in his power to get his side over the line. While many of his teammates slowly worked themselves into the game, he was impressive from the outset.
He’d also be involved in the scoring. Marking from outside 50 heading towards half time, he’d back himself and kick a brilliant goal from range, at that point giving his side a 17-point cushion and kicking his side’s eighth unanswered goal.
