By Nick Creely
OUTER EAST FOOTBALL
PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND 16
Narre Warren just has that extra gear, and whenever challenged, rises to a whole new level.
The Magpies were tested against an in-form Cranbourne side fresh off an upset win against Berwick, but motored away in ominous signs in the second half, ahead of what will be a mammoth finals campaign, 20.18 (138) to 7.8 (50).
The Eagles on their home deck stuck with Matt Shinners’ group for the first half, and in a match baked in sunshine – a stark contrast to the horrendous conditions over the last month – both sides collectively combined for 14 goals and played some free-flowing football, albeit with some mistakes.
But it was that ability to just take the game away in one foul swoop that makes the Magpies such a force to reckoned with, kicking 12 goals to one after half time, including seven in a scintillating third term that completely blew the game apart.
With so many midfield and forward options, it appears as if the Magpies have almost every base covered, with 11 individual goal kickers, including multiples to Trent Cody (four), Dan Jackson (three) and Dylan Quirk, Jake Richardson, Thomas Toner and Michael Collins with two each making life difficult for an Eagles defense missing skipper and champion defender Brandon Osborne again.
Liam Myatt – returning from a successful stint at VFL level with Frankston – was best afield and showcased his immense class in the midfield with star onballer Brad Scalzo playing a different role as he manages a shoulder injury, while the run and spread of Josh Tonna, Trent Cody and Nathan Foote proved a handful.
Narre Warren coach Matt Shinners praised Myatt’s ability to adapt to club and VFL level after starting the season slowly at the Magpies.
“It’s been one of those things, he’s been at Frankston and you’ve got guys trying to understand two game plans,” he said.
“Liam did really struggle early doors, but at Frankston he’s been playing midfield, and with (Brad) Scalzo being injured with a shoulder, we thought we’d play him in the middle.
“He’s been very good.”
Shinners said it was frustrating to allow Cranbourne back in the game on multiple occasions in the second half, but was pleased that the tinkering done at the main break yielded a strong response.
“We turned the ball over early at probably critical times that allowed them back in, and at moments where we had them on the back foot,” he said.
“So we changed a few things around at half time, and they got one within the first 20 seconds, but our set ups and ball movement was clean, and really good.
“And we shared the ball around, and had plenty of goal kickers which is great.”
Blesses with an absolute star studded midfield group – glittered with depth and experience – that stood up once again, Shinners said it was vital that the depth continues to be built and utilised.
“Early doors, the main midfield boys were Scalzo, Quirky (Dylan Quirk), (Nathan) Foote and (Trent) Cody, and when we lost Scalzo, the boys have carried the load, and we threw Collo (Michael Collins) in there which will still happen occasionally,” he said.
“We now have seven or eight that can run throw the midfield, and it means the boys aren’t tiring and having to carry the load.”
Olinda Ferny Creek, meanwhile, battled hard to bring down the mighty Berwick on their home deck, but the class of the Wickers won out in an intriguing clash, 13.10 (88) to 6.19 (55).
The all-important ability to convert opportunities in front of goal was the difference between the two sides, with the Bloods registering 25 scoring shots to 23 but ultimately falling five goals short.
Despite the Wickers surging out to a 20-point quarter time lead, the Bloods actually equalled the south east reigning premiers in scoring shots, and could have very easily snatch the lead in a terrific second quarter, however conversion hurt them as they kicked 2.7 to slash the deficit to just 11.
The class in the forward half in the third quarter saw the Wickers take the game away from the Bloods – who were still matching the visitors in the contest – kicking four goals to one, before easing their way home in the final term.
Harry Money slotted three for the Wickers to be a constant threat to the Bloods, Madi Andrews’ excellent recent form continued through the middle, while Luke Jellyman-Turner provided his customary drive. For the Bloods, skipper Marcus Hottes was excellent, while Luke Hill was named best in a promising performance.
Down at Holm Park, Beaconsfield showed little mercy on the way to a 196-point win against Healesville, 33.19 (217) to 3.3 (21).
The Eagles had winners all across the park, with Matthew Johnson (six goals), Sean Dwyer (five) and VFL-listed Riley Verbi (five) all filling their boots as Leigh McQuillen’s side make a late run to snatch third spot.
Woori Yallock also picked up a big win, controlling their clash with Upwey Tecoma at home, 23.20 (158) to 6.16 (52).
The home side were challenged early, but pulled away after quarter time to kick 19 goals to four across the final three quarters to take the dominant win.
Mitch Arnold and Ben Monkhorst each slotted five goals for the Tigers, while Zach Monkhorst (four), Kane Thompson and the classy Hayden Smith were in vintage touch.
