EDFL review – round 4

EDFL newcomers Garfield preserved their undefeated record and displayed their renowned fighting qualities with a spirited come-from-behind three-point victory over an equally determined Catani.
The game was punctuated by skill errors from both sides but it was the Stars who finally prevailed after trailing by 21 points at three-quarter-time.
Catani appeared to have the measure of Garfield all game before last-quarter goals by coach Brent Eastwell, Jim Bow and Ben Jostlear snatched victory from under the nose of the navy Blues.
Garfield recruit Luke Bee-Hugo from Northern Territory team the Waratahs starred on debut. He played as a wingman and across the half-forward line and his pace and clean disposal skills troubled the Catani defence all game.
Jim Bow, who has returned to the club after a stint at Cranbourne, notched five goals and, while not one of the more heralded names in the Stars team, has shown over the first month of the season that he is a vital player with his ability to fill gaps at both ends of the field.
The second efforts of vastly improved defender Phil Burns were terrific, while drive from former Warragul wingman Ben Jostlear in concert with hard running by coach Brent Eastwell played a key role in the Stars’ victory.
Ruckman Tom Marsh pushed hard all over the field and took many telling marks while across half-back Dean Fitzgerald generated plenty of drive. The Reid brothers, Brett and Shane, and Warragul recruit Jamie Ferguson all put in a superb second half.
Until three-quarter-time the Blues had the better of the midfield contests with Danny Murphy, Antonio Benevenuto, Aaron Alger and Leigh Jose all finding plenty of the ball.
Former Gippsland Power star Russell Lehman played a peach of a game and had the ball on a string in the third quarter, Daniel Strahan made his presence felt across the forward line and took several good grabs and Nathan Ruskin showed he was one of the premier defenders in the league with another top game.
The Blues suffered a big blow in the second quarter when star forward Luke James took a screamer only to fall awkwardly and injure his ankle, which saw him take no further part in the game.
On present form both teams will easily make the top six and both will eye a top two double chance position.