By Tara Murray
Peter Bugden is hoping his time as Craigieburn coach will end on a high and an Essendon District Football League division 1 final series.
Bugden, who is in his fifth year as coach of the Eagles, told the club on Saturday that he wouldn’t be coaching on next year.
Bugden said he was leaving the club on a good note, but didn’t rule out coaching elsewhere next season.
“I’m looking to finish on a high note,” he said. “I’ve been here five years and I think I’m the longest senior coach in the club’s history.
“All good things have to come to an end.”
During his time at the Eagles, the Bugden has taken the Eagles to two division 1 grand finals, including one premiership.
He took the club back into premier division last season, but the side went through without a win and dropped back to division 1.
“Compared to last year, this year is more enjoyable,” he said.
With two rounds remaining, the Eagles are one of three teams fighting for two spots.
With a bye this week, the Eagles know they need to win in the final round against Taylors Lakes to seal a finals berth.
On Saturday, they had a convincing win against Westmeadows to remain in third position.
It was an even first quarter, before the Eagles took control of the game to secure a 20.12 (132)-8.8 (56) win.
“It was a good win, but it came at a cost with a couple of injuries,” Bugden said.
“We lost them really early in the game, but we managed to still get it together.
“Every time this season we’ve got the team that is coming off the bye, which means they are fresh.
“Sometimes it presents a challenge and it takes time to wear them down.”
Former skipper Brent Gordon was the stand-out, kicking seven goals.
Bugden said it was Gordon’s best ever return.
Liam Middleton and Joshua Vilinskis, who are both still under-19s, were also good in the win.
Bugden said they would wait for news on injuries to experienced midfielder Ryan Bongetti and ruckman Jacob McNicol.
“Ryan’s is a soft-tissue injury,” Bugden said. “He could be out for a while.
“Jacob rolled his ankle badly and has a history of ankle injuries. We’re hoping he may be back for the next game.”
Bugden said this week’s bye had come at a perfect time and they were hoping to get a couple of players back for the final round.
For the Tigers, Dean Clare kicked three goals, while Justin Taylor and Clayton Campbell were named the side’s best.
In other results, Tullamarine easily accounted for Jacana in the battle of the top and bottom sides.
The Demons won 25.16 (166)-11.5 (71).
The Demons had 12 goal-kickers, with five players grabbing bags of three.
Jason Cloke kicked six goals for the Jaguars and was named their best.
In premier division, Greenvale returned to the winners list with an 11.6 (72)-9.11 (65) win against Maribyrnong Park.
The win moves the Jets back into third, while the Lions have slipped out of the top four.
In division 2, Roxburgh Park won a thriller against East Sunbury. A late goal to Jamie Grant sealed the 10.9 (69)-10.8 (68) win.
