Tara Murray
Westmeadows is wishing the Essendon District Football League division 1 season could go on a bit longer.
The Tigers, who have struggled this season, have now won their last two games to take their season tally to three wins.
With it, the Tigers have a slight chance of being able to avoid relegation.
Coach Ash Flavel said there’s part of them that wishes the season still had more than one week remaining.
He said things were starting to come together for the group and it was reflecting on the scoreboard.
On Saturday, the Tigers faced Craigieburn which had to win to keep its small finals hopes alive.
Flavel said it was a tough contest throughout most of the day.
“Craigieburn is a very good side,” he said. “We started well, but it was an arm wrestle for the whole day.
“We were in front for most of the day. We were able to kick away in the last quarter. It was nice for once to kick away and not go the other way.”
Flavel said throughout the season they had let things slip for a quarter and it had proved costly, but this time they were able to hold off the Eagles and win the final quarter.
Shaun Knott kicked four goals for the Tigers, while Korey Flavel-Wood kicked three goals.
Knott was named the Tigers best.
Flavel said there were plenty of standouts on the day.
“Shaun Knott down back with Jarrod Petersen and Michael Portelli were the three main ones down back.
“It was our best game for the midfield outside of last week. Nathan Sparks, Jake Hatton and Jordan Kosteas were good.
“Our forwards also stood up.”
For the Eagles, Harry Albon was named their best.
For the Tigers, they have a small glimmer of hope of avoiding relegation now.
Glenroy will be relegated, but the second relegation spot is uncertain.
The Tigers sit a game and percentage behind Tullamarine and Keilor Park heading into the final round.
The Tigers this week face Keilor Park.
Flavel said they had already done the maths to try and work out what they need to do to survive. He said it was like a grand final for them.
“We need to win the game and beat Keilor Park by about seven-eight goals,” he said.
“We need to keep them to a low score as well. It is going to be hard, but the way we are playing I think we can do it.
“The boys have a bit of belief at the moment.”
Meanwhile, the Tigers have been busy off field, having signed three-quarters of their list for next season.
Flavel said he was meeting with more players this week.
“We’re not sure whether we’re playing in division 1 or division 2 next season, but the main objective is to sign everyone on the list this year.
“We’ll be in a really good position for 2024.”
In other results, Tullamarine sealed its spot in division 1 with an 18.12 (120)-12.11 (83) win against Roxburgh Park.
