For Epping, coming off a bye was a blessing in Northern Football League division 3 on Saturday.
After leading at the first two breaks, the Pingers trailed Watsonia by 13 points at the final change at AK Lines Reserve.
Fresh legs came into play for the Pingers in the final quarter as they scored 2.6 to 1.1 to win 7.14 (56) – 7.10 (52).
Epping coach Steve Power said he knew his players’ fresh legs would help on a soggy surface.
“I questioned the guys’ endeavours at three-quarter time,” he said. “We then came out and dominated the last quarter. They had a few chances in the last quarter, but our backline held up really well.
“In the end, we kicked 2.6 but it could easily have been 4.4 or 6.2.”
Power said his side was keen to get the win after losing its past two games heading into the bye.
“It’s been a long three weeks with two losses and a bye,” he said. “We were keen to make amends … it was good to go out and play a full four quarters.”
Daniel Moore kicked five goals for the Pingers and was adjudged best on ground.
“Joel Dunmore had a really good game,” Power said.
“Leigh Judd helped hold the backline together, while Peter McMahon was another who did a good job.”
The win puts the Pingers in fourth spot, three games clear of fifth-placed Banyule with four rounds remaining.
“We need a couple of things to fall our way this week to secure our finals spot,” Power said.
If and when the Pingers secure a spot in the top four, they will pursue a possible top-of-the-ladder finish.
The Pingers are only one game behind the top two sides.
“There’s a game between first and fourth, but our percentage will be a bit of an issue,” Power said.
“First or second – it doesn’t matter which spot, and the same with third and fourth spot as there isn’t home ground advantage.
“We want to get over Heidelberg West this week and then think about where we may finish come finals.”
Ladder leader South Morang had a bye and remains equal on points with second-placed Watsonia.
There were no games in divisions 1 and 2 as both competitions had bye rounds.
