By Jonty Ralphsmith
Devon Meadows was outlasted by premiership contender Edithvale-Aspendale in wet conditions at Glover Reserve, going down 5.7 37 to 10.8 68.
The Panthers didn’t register a goal in the second half but kept themselves in the contest until the last 10 minutes of the game, before the visitors ran away with it, scoring three late goals.
Scores were level at halftime, with Devon Meadows having more of the play for most of the first half, but hurt by rushed entries in the first term, and the Eagles strong marking at the other end.
Defender Liam Drew scored the first of the game from outside 50 which provided a huge lift for the team after they won the first centre clearance.
The setup of both teams at stoppages was compelling viewing all day, with courageous youngster Riley McDonald sent to Edi-Asp star Kurt Lo Po and Edi-Asp’s Lachlan Busch looking to keep Joel Hillis accountable.
With Hillis given attention, co-captain Nick Battle racked up plenty of the ball, with a strong first quarter setting the tone for an industrious day.
Devon got the jump around stoppage, winning eight of the first nine clearances before it seesawed once Edi-Asp settled into the contest.
Edi-Asp got out to an 11-point lead early in the second quarter, before Devon Meadows scored four of the last five goals of the half to take a four point lead into the main break.
That period of ascendancy was defined by the forwards’ ability to get busy and proactive forward of the footy.
Patrick Ryder was blanketed by the opposition backline but still took some contested marks, while Tyler Hunter led well and took some strong grabs and James King also did some nice things in the front half.
King gave his team clear momentum going into the break, powering away from traffic and coolly converting from 20 on the run to give Devon Meadows the lead.
The rain was at its heaviest in the third quarter, with most of the stoppage-heavy quarter played in Edi-Asp’s forward half.
Devon Meadows was able to hold them out for 14 minutes, before the Eagles finally reclaimed the lead, and kicked another late in the third.
Pat Harmes was an aerial presence in the backline on the marking Zack O’Neill, while Jayden Sullivan took two early intercept marks in the fourth, but it was in vain as Edi-Asp kicked the first goal to extend the margin to 13.
The match-sealing moment for Edi-Asp came in the 18-minute-mark: Devon Meadows looked likely to generate a scoring shot on counterattack, but Hugo Clarke ran down Dean Kent, winning a free kick.
It resulted in Lo Po kicking the winning goal, before two more in quick succession.
The midfield battles
McDonald, typically a winger, was tasked with negating Lo Po and it proved an intriguing battle.
Lo Po stood up with some big moments in the second half, with his class helping lift his team.
He was also ominous when he won the footy in the front half, his elusiveness constantly threatening.
But he was well held for extended periods throughout the day by McDonald, whose toughness and physicality despite his small size telling, particularly in limiting his impact at stoppage.
Lo Po finished with just 15 disposals and two clearances compared to McDonald who not only shut him down but also had 17 touches and six clearances.
Hillis, meanwhile, was quieter given the attention he received, but still had 21 disposals and eight clearances.
He didn’t kick a goal and didn’t find as much of the footy as he usually does, but still had some important moments and was typically composed and hit his targets on a day many struggled.
Kent patrols halfback
Kent’s last three games since returning from injury have emphasised the defender’s important role to the team.
For the third straight week, he was a general of the backline, reading the game smartly and intercepting well.
His day did, however, finish early following a rundown tackle from which he pulled up awkwardly, with his knee the concern.
Implications
The result seals top spot for Edithvale-Aspendale, while Devon Meadows falls to third.
The Panthers shouldn’t fall any further, with their most difficult remaining game against arch rivals Pearcedale, on the fringe of the top five.
Saturday was Devon’s second home and away loss to Edi-Asp, but they’ll take confidence from matching it with Edi-Asp for three quarters.
The way Devon Meadows looked to change the angles and get creative at times came unstuck in the wet weather but should hold them in good stead ahead of a likely rematch in September.
They will, however, be aware that they need to shut down Edi-Asp’s forward aerial presence, the Eagles taking 15 marks inside 50 on a day when key forward Tyrone Vickery was missing.
Gazette’s best: Riley McDonald, Nick Battle, Dean Kent, Jack Wilson, Jayden Sullivan, Tyler Hunter
Goal kickers: Liam Drew, Nathan Drew, Tyler Hunter, James King, Ryan Koo
