A virtuoso performance from playing assistant coach Justin Sherman lifted Whittlesea to a thrilling two-point Northern Football League win over Bundoora on Saturday.
Sherman booted seven goals in the 16.14 (110) to 16.12 (108) victory, helping the Eagles withstand a final-quarter surge from the Bulls at Yulong Park.
Bundoora drew level with less than five minutes on the clock after trailing by two goals during the last term, only for Brenton Briffa and Andrew Fairchild to respond with matchwinning behinds.
“Really proud of the way the boys responded, especially after last week,” Eagles coach Jim Atkins said.
“In the same scenario as we were a couple of times last year and last week we lost the game.
“But this time we were able to get on top, a huge last five minutes where our leaders really stood up.”
The result reversed last year’s two-point defeat for Whittlesea against the Bulls.
Bundoora held a 14-point lead heading into the last term but Whittlesea, led by on-baller Paul Higgins, Riley Dyson and Sherman, willed itself back into the contest.
Only West Preston-Lakeside’s Ahmed Saad (17) has booted more goals than Sherman (12) this season.
“He’ll look to probably play forward a fair bit for us this year,” Atkins said.
“He’s had a great first couple of weeks (and) he probably kicked three or four goals from on the ball.
“His work ethic was amazing, he’s really taken it to another level which is great to see.”
Jack Furlong and Todd Hughes were adjudged Bundoora’s best players after combining for eight goals.
“We’ve come a long way as a football club,” Atkins said.
“It’s still a long year and we have just got to concentrate on week-by-week.
“But it’s a fantastic achievement to beat Bundoora at Bundoora, they’ll be top three or five this year for sure.”
Whittlesea next hosts Northcote Park on Saturday, while Bundoora takes on Hurstbridge.
Final score: Bundoora 16.12 (108) def by Whittlesea 16.14 (110)
Photo by Nathan McNeil
