Eltham fought off a late charge from Greensborough to secure a crucial 17-point victory at War Memorial Park.
The 11.18 (84) to 10.7 (67) win brings the Panthers within one game of fifth position and a spot in the finals at the Queen’s Birthday weekend break.
Eltham was in control for most of the day in wet conditions that produced plenty of stoppages.
It was its ability to win contested possessions and clearances that kept it on top. Greensborough didn’t adapt as well and had trouble with disposal and delivery into the forward line all day.
The Panthers spent most of the day building a lead and got as far as 40 points in front during the last quarter before they eased off. Greensborough was able to take advantage and kick the last four goals of the game to reduce the margin, but the end result did not reflect Eltham’s dominance.
The game was going to be won in the midfield and it was Eltham’s midfielders who held sway.
Gavan Connelly was best afield because of his work at the bottom of the packs. His ability to be first to the ball at throw ins and ball ups led to plenty of clearances which gained valuable territory on a wet day.
The big body of Brad Perry was also crucial around the stoppages, along with his two goals. The midfielders could not have succeeded without the work of ruckman Matthew Williamson and Ryan Hocking while Tom Richardson controlled the backline.
Greensborough had its competitors but never seemed to reach its best.
Matthew Hyde was valiant down back and he cut off many of Eltham’s attacks but it was impossible for him to be at every contest.
Luke Stanton was good off the wing and provided a good transition from the backline to the forward line while Joshua Grubb managed three goals out of Greensborough’s limited opportunities.
The first quarter produced the tightest football of the day, with the ground still wet from the overnight downpour meaning big packs quickly formed. Aside from an early goal for each team, neither team could finish well up forward.
Eltham was just bombing the ball forward and Greensborough tried to move the ball quickly but its disposal let it down. However, the Panthers were able to go in at quarter time ahead courtesy of a few extra behinds.
The scoring picked up in the second quarter where Brendan O’Sullivan opened the scoring with Eltham’s second goal before Greensborough seemed to find its rhythm with two goals to take the lead.
This was short lived as a couple of Greensborough turnovers in defence resulted in goals to Eltham. Greensborough responded in spectacular style as Aron Burns took what may be mark of the year in the goal square and then kicked a goal but Eltham still went into the half with a lead.
After half time Eltham began to set up its win. The Panthers increased their pressure and started to dominate all aspects of the game. Greensborough didn’t help its own cause with constant turnovers.
Brad Perry led the way for the visitors, kicking his two goals from forward line stoppages. The game would have been over if it wasn’t for Eltham’s inaccuracy, which included eight behinds in the third quarter.
Eltham quickly remedied this at the start of the last quarter with four unanswered goals to push the lead out to 40 points, which is when it began to slow. Greensborough did manage to kick four of its own goals but it was too little too late.
Final score: Greensborough 10.7 (67) def by Eltham 11.18 (84)
