Whittlesea’s Northern Football League division 2 season is already a winner, whatever happens next.
After being relegated from division 1 last season, the Eagles decided to build a team that would be there for the next five years.
And although they’re only one season into the plan, the Eagles are now only one win away from a grand final appearance after beating the form team of the competition, Fitzroy Stars, in an elimination final on Sunday.
The Eagles hadn’t been playing their best football in the previous month but found what had been missing to beat the Stars 14.2 (86) – 11.5 (71).
Eagles coach Brad Dean said it was the most consistent game of football his team had played all year.
“It was really pleasing to play that way after the previous month,” he said.
“They played well when it mattered and [it] was a consistent four-quarter game.”
Dean said he didn’t change too much during the week to try to end the form slump.
“We kept things very light and kept the players relaxed,” he said.
“We weren’t worried about the repercussions of the result; it was about embracing the opportunity to play footy finals.
“That’s the mindset the boys carried into the game.”
After an even first quarter, the Eagles took control and led by 28 points at three-quarter-time.
“There wasn’t a real breeze, but we knew they would come at us in the final quarter,” Dean said. “They played some good football and got the margin back to nine points.
“I was pleased with our composure and we were able to turn the tide back our way and hold onto the ball. We were very disciplined.”
Dean said the roles of Scott McAuliffe and Janan Daniel were crucial to the win.
“Scott got the job on Peter Hood and that is the reason we won,” he said.
“Hood is the best player in the competition and Scott nullified him.
“Janan went to John Hayes and stopped his impact.
“We didn’t have any passengers and there was a real even contribution.”
The Eagles play Hurstbridge in the preliminary final at Epping Recreation Reserve on Saturday for a chance to play Lalor in the grand final.
“There’s no pressure on us,” Dean said. “We’ve already made huge strides and if we play well enough we can make the grand final.”
Dean said Dale Saddington and Nathan Stefanile were chances to overcome injury and come back into the side.
Lalor won through to the grand final with a 14.14 (98) – 9.6 (60) win over Hurstbridge.
