Craigieburn came through its weekend of Big V division two with a perfect two win result, but it was not without its nervous moments.
Taking on Wallan on Saturday and Camberwell on Sunday made it a big weekend for the Eagles, and they stood up in the big moments to keep their place near the top of the table.
Craigieburn coach Simon Wilson knew the importance of the weekend in the context of their season.
“We needed both wins to secure a spot in the top four, and with top two getting the first week of the finals off it was important for us,” Wilson said.
“Both games were gritty, and we just managed to make our shots when we needed them.”
The Wallan game on Saturday night was closer than the 93-83 scoreline suggests, with the Eagles making a number of shots in the home stretch to increase the margin by the final whistle.
There was a high load placed on the Eagles key players, with Dexter Graham (28 points, 17 rebounds) and captain Liam Watt (29 points) both playing 40 minutes to ensure their side took home the win.
In Sunday’s game it went right down to the wire, with some clutch plays by the experienced players in the Eagles squad proving telling in the final result.
The lead switched multiple times throughout the contest, with Graham (16 points, nine rebounds) again crucial to the contest, and Blake Dickinson (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Jae Dickinson (18 points, eight rebounds) lifting when the side needed them.
Scores were locked at 81 apiece just moments left in the game when Watt was fouled to send him to the free-throw line with 0.2 seconds on the clock.
He made the first free throw to secure the win, 82-81.
Wilson said his side was starting to come together nicely with just this weekend’s match against Altona to play before finals.
“Our goal at the start of the season was to be there at the end and play finals, so we’ve ticked one box off,” he said.
“It’s exciting to be there and play finals, and from there it is anyone’s game.
“Hopefully the hard work that we’ve put in this season pays off, and as long as we turn up and are focused we give ourselves every chance.
“If we want it more than the other teams we can definitely go out and compete in these finals.”
