Whittlesea was left to rue another poor last quarter as its search for a second win in Northern Football League division 1 continued on Saturday.
The Eagles were again in the game until three-quarter time before being overrun.
This time, it was Northcote Park capitalising on the Eagles’ inability to close out matches; it won 15.16 (106) to 12.13 (85).
Whittlesea coach Brad Dean said he had been confident at the final change.
“We started slowly but after quarter-time took control of the game.
“The second and third quarter, we had control but didn’t put on enough scoreboard pressure. We were only one goal up and probably needed to be further ahead. But Northcote Park ran harder in the final quarter and were a bit more polished.”
Dean said Northcote Park’s experience showed in the final quarter.
“They’ve been in really good form the last four to five weeks. Their onballers got on top and we didn’t get our hands on the footy enough.’’
Dean said the loss was the story of the Eagles’ season.
“It’s the seventh or eighth time we’ve had a chance to get the four points. It’s a reflection of where we’re at.
“Our senior players have been consistent; we just need to get that consistency into our younger players.’’
Dean highlighted the performances of Lucas Hobbs and Andrew Fairchild.
“If Lucas had kicked straight, he would have kicked three or four goals.
‘‘Last season, Andrew kicked 100 goals in division 2 as a stay-at-home forward. This year he’s played more in the midfield, where he kicked six goals on Saturday.”
With two games remaining, the Eagles are all but certain to be relegated.
“It will take a minor miracle with us taking on third [Montmorency] and first [Greensborough] on the ladder,” Dean said.
“We’ll give it our best. I’ve told the boys we don’t know when we will play division 1 again.
“In reality, we’re where we deserve to be. We’ve had our chances … it’s unfortunate we haven’t taken them.”
Dean’s position as coach is secure, having already been reappointed for next season.
“That’s a great show of faith,’’ he said. ‘‘We’re all on the same page.”
