Finals were a long time coming for Craigieburn, but once there, they didn’t disappoint in Essendon District Football League division 1.
The Eagles long ago sealed top spot, and a double chance, and on Saturday against Tullamarine, showed exactly why they’ve been premiership favourites all season.
The Demons won the last time the two met, inflicting on the Eagles their first loss of the season, but there was no repeat this time round.
The Eagles had 14 scoring shots to three in the first quarter, and led by 31 points at quarter-time.
This margin ballooned to 68 points at the main break, with the sting going out of the game in the second half, and the Eagles going on to win 20.14 (134)-6.10 (46).
Eagles’ coach Peter Bugden said the focus had been on making the grand final since losing the decider to Essendon Doutta Stars last year.
“It’s good to get the opportunity to make an amends for last season,” he said. “We had an opportunity last year, but we missed out – and you need everything to go your way in finals.
“We’re happy to have another chance, and we get a week off to come into the game fresh.”
Bugden said the side hadn’t dwelt on the result the last time the two teams met – this time it was about the win and nothing else.
“Last time we played them, we were not at our best and were preparing for finals,” he said.
“We were trying to get a few players across the line and ready for the finals.
“This time the match was reflective of playing four quarters of good football. The margin was irrelevant, we just wanted to win the game and play four quarters of good football.”
Skipper Brent Gordon was best on ground in a performance that included four goals. Glenn Robertson kicked five goals and Nick Fletcher kicked three. The two Clokes, Jason and Cameron, were restricted to two goals each.
“We have very good forwards outside of the Clokes, and we got contributions from everyone,” Bugden said. “Tuckey [Gordon] was outstanding, and we hope he can play like that in two weeks’ time.”
The Demons couldn’t find a multiple goalscorer, though. Joel Flanigan was named their best.
The Eagles will play either Tullamarine or Oak Park in t
he grand final, with Ryan Bongetti to return to the side for the grand final.
The Eagles’ reserves will face Taylors Lakes in a preliminary final next week, while the under-18s will play Hillside for a grand final spot.
