Tullamarine kept its finals hopes alive with a shock win over Essendon Doutta Stars in Essendon District Football League division 1 on Saturday.
Sitting six points outside the top four, the Demons know they have to keep winning if they are to sneak into the finals.
On Saturday they came from behind at three-quarter time to defeat the ladder leaders 11.16 (82) – 9.15 (69).
Little separated the teams all day, but the Demons made the most of kicking with the wind in the final quarter to get the points.
They kicked three last-quarter majors while keeping the Stars goalless to cause the upset. Coach Anthony Leydin said his side had been confident all week about matching it with the Stars.
“We felt confident on Thursday night, felt confident on Saturday morning and confident during the game,” Leydin said.
“It was very satisfying to get the win with our backs to the wall. We all know the scenario [for making finals].”
Scott McAllester kicked five goals in his second game for the year, while Adam Scott was adjudged best on ground.
Leydin said the Demons’ challenge in the remaining rounds was simple. “We need to keep winning. We can’t control what the other sides are doing.
“There are some issues with depth so we need a bit of luck to go our way.”
Craigieburn is back on top of the division 1 ladder after the Stars’ loss and the Eagles’ victory over East Keilor.
The Eagles dominated after half-time to win 12.17 (89) – 7.4 (46).
With Cameron Cloke kicking only one goal, it boded well for the Eagles that they were able to find several avenues to goal.
In premier division, Greenvale had an easy win over Airport West, Tom Hill kicking six goals in the Jets’ 18.14 (122) – 3.13 (31) win.
Jacana narrowly missed out on upsetting Hadfield in division 2.
The Jaguars were held goalless in the opening quarter and were still 24 points down at the last break.
Their last-quarter comeback fell just short, the Jaguars losing 11.10 (76) – 10.10 (70).
Roxburgh Park remains second on the ladder after defeating Keilor Park by 50 points.
