By Tara Murray
Whittlesea will have to make the grand final the hard way, after losing a thriller to Banyule in Northern Football League division 2.
Looking for a grand final spot, the in-form Eagles took on minor premier Banyule in a semi-final at Epping Recreation Reserve.
The match went down to the wire, with the Bears winning 11.9 (75)-10.8 (68).
Eagles coach Blair Harvey said that while disappointed not to get over the line, they would learn a lot from the game.
“There’s a lot of positives … and it was a really good game of football,” he said.
“Hopefully, we’ll get another crack at them.”
The Eagles trailed at every break, but were never out of the game.
When Blake Watson kicked his second goal and the first of the last quarter, the Eagles were in front.
PHOTO GALLERY: Banyule vs Whittlesea
The Bears responded straight away to take back the lead.
Both sides had chances in the dying minutes to claim the win.
James Kroussoratis, who finished the day with four goals, burst through the pack to kick a stunning running goal to seal the Banyule victory.
Harvey said that in the end, the Bears were just too good for them.
The Eagles were two men down for a lot of the second half, leaving them short on rotations.
Curtis Taplin went to hospital after dislocating his knee, with the club still waiting to find out whether there’s structural damage.
Thomas Falls also didn’t play out the game, but is expected to be right this week.
Jaron Murphy, Clancy Brand and Watson kicked two goals each for the Eagles.
Harvey said Murphy was their best, along with Brody Bell and Nathan Stefanile.
The Eagles, who entered the finals on the back of a nine-game winning streak, live to fight another day.
They will face Eltham in a preliminary final this weekend.
Eltham defeated Thomastown in a knock-out semi-final,
Eltham led all day against the Bears.
Harvey said they had gone 1-1 with Banyule throughout the season.
The Eagles are set for a boost with centre-half forward Samuel Indian set to return.
