Roxburgh Park’s premiership dreams have come to a heartbreaking end.
The Magpies entered the Essendon District Football League division 2 grand final as favourites, having defeated East Keilor in the semi-finals two weeks before.
But there was no repeat of that performance in the grand final as the two sides fought out a thriller, with East Keilor winning by 10 points 13.8 (86) – 11.10 (76).
The Cougars started the better of the two sides, the Magpies struggling with composure and skills. They also weren’t helped by undisciplined play that cost them 50-metre penalties.
In the second quarter, the Magpies started to get back into the game, with their smalls providing a spark up forward. Division-leading goalkicker Luke Capuano was doing likewise, but couldn’t convert his chances.
The magpies reduced the margin to one point at half-time.
Much of the third quarter went goal for goal. Both sides looked in control at times, with the Cougars making the most of the Magpies’ undisciplined acts yet again.
At one stage, they gave away consecutive 50-metre penalties that took the Cougars from the back line to the forward 50, where they converted.
The Magpies trailed by 13 points heading into the last quarter.
After kicking the first two goals of the last quarter to level the scores, the Magpies were left to rue missed chances. The ball was spending most of its time in the Magpies’ forward line, but they couldn’t find the middle of the goals.
Three missed shots saw them take the lead by three points, instead of what could have been a match-winning lead.
When the Cougars got it down their end, they converted to retake the lead. The Magpies’ heads dropped and the Cougars increased the lead to nine points. The Magpies had one more shot in front of goal, but missed again.
Harley Short was the best for the Magpies while Capuano kicked three goals.
The loss capped off a mixed day for the Magpies, who had all three of their senior sides in grand finals.
The under-18.5s were first up, losing to the Cougars 13.9 (87)-6.6 (42).
The reserves tasted premiership success, the first premiership for the club’s seniors since it joined the competition in 2005, defeating Jacana 11.9 (75)-8.13 (61).
Thomas Dowse, who kicked three goals, was awarded the best on ground medal.
For more photos of the senior grand final, CLICK HERE
