Whittlesea did its chances of surviving relegation no harm with an upset win against Bundoora in Northern Football League division 1.
After an even first three quarters, it was the lower-placed Eagles who ran away with the game in the last quarter, kicking six goals to three to seal the 14.9 (93)-10.6 (66) win.
Eagles coach Jim Atkins was full of praise for his side and the way they continued to learn from their mistakes.
“We played well for four quarters and we got rewards for our effort,” he said.
“Last week we were in the same position heading into the final quarter and couldn’t hold on.
“There was a lot of heart and endeavor to win the footy … We got three goals up in the final quarter before they cut the margin to one point before we responded.
“We learnt a lot from last week.”
Atkins said the win was reward for a lot of hard work and the good football they played over the past five to six weeks with little reward.
“I’m proud of them and I’ve been proud of them all season.
“This one game means so much for us.”
Atkins said Brenton Briffa, Riley Dyson and Janan Daniel were the standouts, but the list could go on for who played a good game.
Heading into the final round, the Eagles sit ninth on percentage behind Hurstbridge and Montmorency. The Eagles final round opponent, Eltham, is one game and nearly 10 per cent behind them. A win in the final round for the Eagles means Eltham will be relegated.
Atkins said despite the win against the Bulls and the strength added to their position, nothing has changed.
“Our aim all year was to win more games than we did last year,” he said.
“At this stage we’re on the same amount of wins, so to win one more game would achieve that.
“It would be reward for effort.
“If we play the good footy we’ve been playing the last few weeks, hopefully we can achieve that.”
Meanwhile, Atkins has signed on to coach the Eagles for a third season.
The Bulls loss means they slip from second to third. They are now equal on points with fourth-placed Greensborough,
The Bulls play Greensborough in the final round and need to win for a double chance come finals.
In division 2, Thomastown’s finals hopes are all over after being thumped by North Heidelberg.
Shane Harvey kicked nine goals in the Bulldogs 25.15 (165)-6.7 (43) win.
Lalor’s lost to Watsonia, 7.14 (56)-5.3 (33)
