Tullamarine had one eye on other Essendon District Football League division 1 matches on Saturday, the other on the game at hand against East Keilor.
The Demons knew they had to win, but they also needed either Westmeadows or Oak Park to lose, if they were to make the finals.
With Oak Park trailing Essendon, it was then a case of margins in the Demons’ match, as for the Oak Park–Doutta Stars’ match.
Fortunately, things went the Demons’ way; they snuck into the top four on percentage.
For Demons’ coach Anthony Leydin, there was relief but he conceded the team had work to do to match tougher opposition in the finals.
“It is an unbelievable effort to make finals after the off season [when they lost half of their senior team],” Leydin said.
“We were four months behind where Westmeadows started, and we are nipping at their heels.”
Saturday wasn’t the Demons’ best performance, but it was enough to deliver a 15.10 (100) – 12.16 (88) victory over East Keilor.
“East Keilor is not that far off, and it wasn’t a fait accompli result,” Leydin said.
“They certainly challenged us and it could have gone either way. We didn’t play the best football, but it was good to get the win.”
Leydin said his side didn’t show enough respect for their opposition, allowing them to “run free”.
“Our tall defenders were beaten, which is against the trend of the year. We lacked appetite.
“There’s certainly some concerns that we want to rectify this week.”
Leydin found it hard to pinpoint his side’s top performers of the game, with most coming in and out of play. Adam Bartrop and Jack Burns were two who stood out. Ryan Pretty kicked four goals.
Leydin said players need to sure-up their concentration and accountability if they want to beat Westmeadows in the elimination final.
“Every final is 50-50, and it doesn’t matter how you got there,” Leydin said.
Westmeadows enters next weekend’s game on the back of a one-point win over Hillside, 18.19 (117) – 17.14 (116). Craigieburn will play Essendon’s Doutta Stars for a spot in the grand final in the other final.
The Eagles will be full of confidence after their 30.14 (194) – 8.7 (55) win over Taylors Lakes. Star forward Cameron Cloke kicked 14 goals in a best-on-ground performance, and Jason Cloke returned after a fractured cheekbone, kicking three goals, to be named in the best.
