THOMASTOWN survived a thrilling finish to clinch the 2015 Division 2 reserves premiership, defeating Whittlesea by five points at Preston City Oval.
A 50m penalty was the difference in the end as Michael Gravina calmly converted late in the game to give the Bears an 8.12 (60) to 8.7 (55) victory.
Whittlesea’s James Robinson was adjudged best on ground despite the defeat. Robinson was useful around the ground, creating many opportunities for the Eagles.
It was an interesting but competitive contest in the first quarter. Joe Fiore snapped the first goal of the game for the Bears, before Brad Byrne and Jake Barnes responded with majors for the Eagles.
Thomastown, despite kicking against the wind, was playing very well and was attacking frequently.
Sean Abela then kicked a fantastic goal before Terry Dehghani kicked his first major, set up by beautiful team play, to extend the Bears’ lead.
Sam Pupillo got one back for the Eagles just before quarter time to reduce the deficit to three points heading into the first break.
Whittlesea coach Steven Dorsett knew his side could improve its game. In the huddle Dorsett told his team to start “forcing the Bears wide” and to “look for the hot spot” in order to create more opportunities.
Unfortunately for the Eagles, there weren’t many opportunities for them in the second quarter. Alex-Sean Ioannidis kicked a good goal from a long distance for Thomastown, aided by the wind in his back.
Ioannidis’ effort was the only goal of the quarter and heading into half time with an 11-point lead, the Bears had the momentum after keeping the Eagles scoreless in the second term.
Needing a big quarter to take a lead into the last change, Whittlesea didn’t start the third term well. The Eagles gave away a 50m penalty to allow Sean Abela to kick his second for the match.
However the Thomastown scoring stopped there. The Bears were starting to lose their discipline, reversing two free kicks that were originally theirs.
The Eagles punished them for it. Jake Barnes slotted home his second goal before a snap from Lachlan Dyson and a great crumbing goal from Luke Crowley gave Whittlesea the lead for the first time in the match.
With his side trailing by three points at three quarter time, Thomastown coach Gavin Mutz was disappointed his side let the lead slip away. He instructed his players to take their time when in possession.
The last term saw every spectator with their eyes glued to the game. The beginning was goal for goal. Fabian Farchione kicked a good running goal for Thomastown, before Barnes slotted his third to respond.
Robert Barbara kicked a massive goal to give the Bears the lead again, before Barnes kicked the goal of the game for his fourth – finding the big sticks while kicking against the wind from a difficult angle.
Late into the last, the scores were tied. Then, the Eagles were given a crucial 50m penalty which advanced Ashley Foxwell from half forward to 30m out from goal. His effort missed right to give Whittlesea a one-point lead.
Just when most thought the game couldn’t get any more dramatic, Thomastown received a 50m penalty of its own, which put Michael Gravina within scoring range. Gravina slotted home the goal with a minute remaining, before the Bears held on for a nail-biting five-point victory.
Sean Abela was critical for the Bears, kicking two goals while Michael Cianciosi was also impressive for the premiers, winning plenty of contested footy.
As well as James Robinson, Barnes and Foxwell were significant players for the Eagles.
Final score: Thomastown 8.12 (60) def Whittlesea 8.7 (55)
