Hurstbridge are one step closer to consecutive Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 finals campaigns after surging to a 16-point victory over Greensborough at Ben Frilay Oval.
Both sides traded blows with momentum swings and missed opportunities being the tale of a contest which resembled the pressure of a finals bout.
The Bridges led by just a single point at the three quarter time, but a dominant four goal last term steered them to a pivotal 11.18 (84) to 10.8 (68) win.
With just two rounds to go, Hurstbridge sit in fourth and are a game clear of Greensborough who remain in fifth.
The Bridges face North Heidelberg and Heidelberg over a tough next fortnight but will take confidence over their Round 16 triumph, while the Boro will need to battle it out against Montmorency and Macleod to keep their season alive.
Joel Naylor was his side’s only multiple goal scorer of eight players, claiming four majors and proving to be a constant headache for the Boro defence.
Blake Fitzgerald stood tall when it mattered most, being the dominant-ball winner alongside regular standouts William Cookson and Kye Declase.
For the Boro, Nathan Howard and Kristian Ferronato worked seamlessly together in midfield, continuing their damaging partnership that has seen them feature in their side’s best in back-to-back weeks.
Brody Glenn found clarity in chaos, threatening the Bridges defence with his lightning-quick footspeed, and finished the match with four goals. Loitering at the base of packs, it was his explosive small forward spark that kept Greensborough in the hunt throughout most of the afternoon.
Playing brave and fast transition football, Matthew Hyde’s side started the better but could not capitalise on repeat forward 50 entries.
Ben Ham seized his first opportunity at goal to claim the matches first major, and the Boro would pile on a further two within the quarter, but the Bridges repeatedly found ways to answer back against the run of play.
The highlight of the opening term came from Hurstbridge debutant Thomas Hird, who received the ball on the edge of the 50 metre arc, sold candy to his opponent and steadied a drop punt through the middle.
Joel Cordwell’s men quickly looked to reign in their four-point quarter time deficit, flipping the momentum from the onset of the second term.
Winning the territory battle, William Plain’s snap put the Bridges back in front, but the hosts struggled to make the most of their forward dominance.
In time-on, Hurstbridge looked likely to head back to the changerooms frustrated at their lack of conversion, but back-to-back 50-metre penalties led Darcy Stewart to a certain goal. Just moments later they would pile on another.
Trailing by 10 points at the main break, Greensborough reappeared with a fierce intent.
Brody Glenn stole the show, outmanoeuvring his opponents with dazzling small forward play that saw him kick three goals for the quarter.
The Bridges had their moments, yet were plagued by inaccuracies, finishing the quarter with 2.6 to Greensborough’s 4.3 and leaving the margin at just the solitary point.
The final term saw Hurstbridge play with the intensity of a team knowing their season was on the line.
While Angus Seivers and Will McFawn jostled matchups against Joel Naylor, the forward star lifted his game to an unstoppable level.
Presenting as an aerial threat with quick groundspeed, Naylor kicked two of his team’s four vital last quarter goals.
As the recipient of three unanswered final term majors that had moved the margin to 22 points, two quick goals for the Boro in time-on kept their belief alive, but it was too late to rain on the Bridges’ parade.
Cameron Wild marked on the siren and slotted through a celebratory set-shot to jubilant scenes, capping off a brilliant afternoon for the hosts.
