By Tara Murray
All the pieces fell into place as Craigieburn claimed the Essendon District Football League division 1 premiership.
Seen as the third team in the top three for much of the season, the Eagles found form at the right time.
Having defeated East Keilor in a semi final two weeks ago, the Eagles were faced with the same challenge again on Saturday in the grand final.
It would end the same way, with the Eagles winning 13.17 (95)-7.16 (58).
Eagles coach Lance Whitnall said it was a fantastic feeling.
“All the puzzle pieces fell in the right spots, it was a great finish and I’m rapt,” he said.
“Throughout the year we didn’t have our full side out there and we just kept plugging away and getting wins.
“It got us here where we wanted to play and the big ground was always going to suit our style of footy.
“Never at any time throughout the year we panicked.
“Winning a premiership, that’s what we all play and coach footy for.”
The Eagles slowly built the margin throughout the game, but it took a while for them to break the Cougars.
The Eagles dominated much of the first and then second quarters, but the margin was only 19 points.
Whitnall said they were comfortable with where things were heading at half time.
“We said to the group that East Keilor is a quality side and it was never going to be over in the first or second quarter.
“It was the work we did in the first and second quarters that blows them away later.
“It’s hard for them to keep up all game. Sides try [and] they can keep up for a half or three quarters.
“We keep persisting and getting our run going.”
It proved to be the case, with the Eagles extending the margin to 37 points at the last break.
It blew out to 50 points in the final quarter, before the Cougars kicked two late goals in junk time.
There were two areas that really stood out for the Eagles, the first was leg speed and the second was tackling pressure.
Whitnall said they had looked to add some leg speed to the team the last couple of seasons with one eye on the future.
“Our target was to get some kids that want to run and play at a higher division, they showed that they can definitely play at a higher division.”
As for tackling pressure, Whitnall said they knew that would be one of the keys if they were to get the premiership.
John Bellino kicked four goals for the Eagles, while Josh Vilinskis and Steve Boyall kicked two goals each.
Big man Billy Morrison was awarded the best on ground medal.
Whitnall said Vilinskis and Ben Fynch were the other standouts. He said that Fynch is the best centre half back in the competition.
The win means Craigieburn will head back into premier division.
Having gone up and then straight back down last time, Whitnall said they think they are better prepared this time round.
He said they had already re-signed the whole playing group.
“We are right where we want to be,” he said.
“To stay there is the first target and then we build from there. We’ll enjoy the moment now and plan for premier in a couple of weeks.”
