Even in the last minute of Saturday’s game, Lalor coach Jarrod King wasn’t sure his team had done enough to sneak home against Panton Hill.
For most of the game, Panton Hill looked like it would break through for its first win of the season in what was a battle between the two bottom sides in Northern Football League division 2.
Several times Panton Hill got out to a three to four-goal lead, with the Bloods having to chase.
At three-quarter time the Bloods trailed by 13 points, but were determined to get their second win of the season. They kicked five goals to one in the final quarter to win, 14.6 (90)-11.18 (84).
An injured King watched nervously from the sidelines as his side dug deep.
“I was relieved to get the win,” he said. “They were the better team on the day but our boys stuck to their structures and it paid off.
“We had a super last quarter [and] when it was needed a lot of the younger boys stepped up. I don’t even think with 30 seconds to go I thought we had the win.”
King said Terence Upoko was clearly best on ground. Jake Langborne also stood out for the Bloods.
He was full of praise for Beau Delcus who played his first senior game in 22 months on Saturday and was named in the best.
It was the second game back for Ben Curtiss, who was de-registered by AFL Victoria last season when a suspension put him above the 16 game suspension threshold.
King said having Curtiss back was massive.
“He’s the heart and sole of the club.
“He never missed a training session while he couldn’t play. He’s one of our most important players.”
In the scheme of the season, the win was massive. The Bloods now sit two games clear of Panton Hill and relegation. A loss would have seen the Bloods bottom of the ladder.
“We had one win and it was a real shame as I know how hard we’ve been working at training.
“We’ve set a pretty high goal for the second half of the season. Hopefully we can pinch a few games and finish fifth. That would be fantastic considering where we’ve come from the last 12 months.”
In other matches, Thomastown moved into the top four, knocking off ladder leaders Diamond Creek.
