Every kid dreams of the opportunity to kick a goal after the siren to win the game for their team, but Devon Meadows young gun Jack Wilson need not dream, it was real … and it’s happened twice.
It was a must-win game for the Panthers to keep their finals hopes alive and while it was a bit close for comfort, the result was as hoped.
After leading all game, Devon Meadows found itself behind on the scoreboard after Seaford’s Harry Bould bounced through a goal from inside the centre square, giving the Tigers a one-point lead in the dying minutes.
With only 18 seconds remaining, the ball had just been kicked inside Seaford’s forward 50 and time was against the Panthers.
A big spoil from Nathan Drew began the last roll of the dice; Ryan Koo bombed it out to Cody Ray who got a favourable bounce, ran his distance, and handballed to Alex Canal, who hit Wilson with a chip kick on the lead.
The siren sounded and Seaford was in front 58-57, but the ball was in the hands of Wilson and little did the Tigers’ players know that the 20 year-old had experienced this same situation once before – and he delivered.
Two years ago in the same round, Wilson kicked a goal after the siren to win the game for Hampton Park – this kick was from a similar spot about 40-metres out, on a slight angle.
Wilson went through his usual routine as the home crowd held its breath – a point for the draw, a goal for the win.
There were shouts of “kick through it” and “you can do it” as Wilson strolled in and made a sweet connection with the ball.
The distance was never a problem and despite the ball fading towards the right goal post, it snuck in for a goal, much to the delight of the fans as mayhem ensued and fans flooded the field.
You could forgive Wilson for being overawed by the moment, but he wasn’t, he was confident in himself to put it through.
“I didn’t even hear the siren sound when I marked it, I was going back and the umpire let me know,” he said.
“The first thing that came to mind was you’ve done it before, relax, go through your routine and have a go at it.
“I backed myself in, it felt good off the boot and then I saw it swinging towards the post, but it held the line, so it was awesome.”
Coach Ryan Hendy said he was “bloody nervous” watching on from the bench, and was pleased to see it go through.
“It was pretty intense, I wasn’t sure if he was too far out when he marked it but he ended up making the distance easy,” he said.
“People don’t ever get to do it once and he’s done it twice … he is pretty cool, calm and collected and definitely had a bit of ice in his veins on Saturday.”
Devon Meadows held onto fifth position with the thrilling victory, with only percentage keeping them above Somerville.
“We definitely had to win the game, it wouldn’t have been an easy job making the five if we lost yesterday,” Hendy said.
“Every game is like a do-or-die final for us now … we know we have a couple of challenges coming up with Chelsea (third) and Pearcedale (second).”
Joel Hillis led the way for the Panthers once again in the midfield, while Arnold Kirby continues to dominant in the ruck.
Ex-premiership player James Frawley is set to play this weekend against Chelsea in a big boost for the team’s winning chances.
In other games, Crib Point caused the upset of the season when it knocked off the undefeated Frankston Bombers by one point as Joel Sarlo (three goals) kicked the match-winner – the win puts the Magpies one win clear in fourth spot.
Prior to this match, Somerville was the only team to come within six goals of the Bombers, who sit top of the ladder with a ridiculous percentage of 248.59.
A 37-1 first term set up a comfortable victory for Chelsea over Karingal, as the Seagulls flew home to win by 50 points with Jack Wallace (three goals) leading the way.
Pearcedale thumped Rye by 103 points thanks to a 10-goal performance from Brett Eddy, who took his tally to 70 goals – Ed Greene kicked five of the Demons’ eight goals in a brilliant individual performance.
It was a consistent four-quarter effort from the Dales who are looking good as finals approach, sitting second on the ladder with a strong percentage.
Hastings put in a competitive effort against Bonbeach but ultimately fell 12 points short as Sharks’ Liam Hulett and Ben McLean kicked four goals each.
Tyabb started well against Somerville to lead by two goals at quarter time; however, the Eagles responded to win by 18 points in a competitive contest – Benjamin Kaddatz (three goals) was impressive for Somerville.
MPFNL DIVISION 2
Results R16: Devon Meadows 9.9 (63) def Seaford 8.10 (58), Chelsea 14.13 (97) def Karingal 7.5 (47), Crib Point 7.9 (51) def Frankston Bombers 7.8 (50), Bonbeach 13.14 (92) def Hastings 12.8 (80), Pearcedale 24.13 (157) def Rye 8.6 (54), Somerville 12.14 (86) def Tyabb 10.8 (68).
Ladder: Frankston Bombers 60, Pearcedale 52, Chelsea, Crib Point 44, Devon Meadows, Somerville 40, Bonbeach 32, Seaford, Rye 24, Hastings 12, Tyabb 8, Karingal 4.
Fixture R17: Bonbeach (7) v Karingal (12), Chelsea (3) v Devon Meadows (5), Crib Point (4) v Hastings (10), Pearcedale (2) v Somerville (6), Rye (9) v Tyabb (11), Seaford (8) v Frankston Bombers (1).
