Craigieburn’s remarkable run through the back half of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season has continued, with the side now one win away from a grand final.
The Eagles entered finals as one of the form teams of the competition and have now knocked off fourth placed Avondale Heights, before ending second placed West Coburg’s run on Sunday.
Eagles football manager said the group continues to amaze everyone and there’s a real energy about the group.
“We’re absolutely elated,” he said. “It was a great win and a really gutsy win after a good start.”
Like in their first final, the Eagles started the better of the two teams in what would be a low scoring slug.
It’s something the Eagles had a lot of success in early in the season, with their defence being strong all season.
The margin was 20 points at quarter time before West Coburg reduced it to seven points heading into half time.
It was back to just one heading into the final quarter with an inaccurate West Coburg attacking hard.
After three quarters, West Coburg had kicked 4.12 to the Eagles’ 5.7.
The young Eagles weren’t daunted and found something else in the final quarter to come away with a 8.9 (57)-5.15 (45) win.
Andrews said West Coburg had a two to three goal breeze in the final quarter.
“The last quarter was super gritty,” he said. “The backline was spectacular all day, led by Jai Robinson and Ben Fynch.
“We were not worried under pressure and we were focused on the way we wanted to play and as long as we were tackling hard and kicking goals we were always in the game.
“We were able to kick three goals against the breeze and get over the line.
“The co-coaches were absolutely thrilled.”
Nathan Stewart was the only multiple goalkicker for the Eagles, finishing with two goals.
Andrews said there were a few sore boys after the win, but that would quickly disappear with a preliminary final to play for.
The Eagles will face Hillside in the preliminary final, after the Sharks lost to Oak Park in the other semi final.
Craigieburn won the last match up between the two sides in round 17 by 59 points to give itself a shot at finals.
While anything the Eagles have achieved in finals is a bonus, Andrews said there was a resolve in the group.
“We’re not going there to not win it.”
In premier division, Strathmore set up a clash with Keilor, while Airport West knocked out Deer Park.
