Almost every game in the past month has been like a grand final for Devon Meadows.
A goal after the siren to Jack Wilson to pinch victory against Seaford a few weeks ago was just one of many big moments late in the season, which have cumulatively kept the Panthers’ season alive and ultimately pushed them into third spot.
When Devon Meadows found itself trailing by 25 points midway through the third quarter against Pearcedale, its season was hanging by a thread … but it found a way.
At three-quarter time, the Panthers had fought back and established a seven-point lead, but an early Pearcedale goal to Mitch Davis tied scores at 65-65 – as the scoreboard temporarily malfunctioned and went black.
A running goal from Panthers’ ruckman Riley Simmons put his side in front by six points, before Pearcedale’s Luke Daniel had two late shots at goal – both went begging as one crashed into the post.
But the moment of the game came in the dying moments, as Devon Meadows captain Joel Hillis kicked a running goal, securing finals and the double chance for his team.
Coach Ryan Hendy was pleased with the brilliant win and was looking forward to a big rematch against the Dales this weekend.
“We are over the moon, that was one of the best wins I have been apart of to be honest,” he said.
“We were a bit undermanned with our side after last week, but the boys showed some real grit and we chipped away to win and finish third on the ladder.”
Hawthorn AFL premiership player James Frawley was unavailable due to coaching commitments, while the side was also without Corey Braden, Daniel Hellyer and Ky Williams who are all set to return this weekend.
“The resilience of the playing group really impressed me, they are a young group and they have that never-say-die attitude and kept fighting until the final siren,” Hendy said.
“There were some strong performances, Nick Battle (30 disposals) was great all day in the midfield and Pat Sinnema (18 disposals, two goals) really stood up.”
Since round seven, Devon Meadows has played in nine matches which have been decided by less than three goals, winning the past four.
“We have been working on those close-game scenarios at training a lot, the boys now have the confidence to win those tight games,” Hendy said.
“It has been cutthroat the past four of five weeks and with the ladder, we have more or less had to win every week to secure a spot in finals.”
It was an intriguing ruck battle as Arnold Kirby (17 disposals, two goals, 25 hitouts) and Riley Simmons (10 disposals, one goal) teamed up against Huw Jones (18 disposals, one goal, 60 hitouts).
Young gun Kaolan Thornton also produced a special performance in the loss, with 36 disposals and 10 tackles.
Pearcedale coach Peter Bastinac said it was a “dead rubber” for his side and the focus was firmly on this weekend’s clash.
“We got what we wanted out of the game, and got some game time into some players who needed it, so we are looking forward to this week,” he said.
“We know Devon will bring in a couple of players, like we will, hopefully we can get our match-ups right and get the job done.”
There is no doubt that the Dales’ best footy is good enough to advance deep into finals and despite having lost four of their last five games, they finished second for a reason.
“For us, it’s about getting that consistent effort across four quarters,” Bastinac said.
“We’ve had some really good moments in games this year and hope we can put that together for four quarters this week … it’s a really big game for us.”
Jordan Bastinac, Luke Settineri and Callum Culton are set to return for the qualifying final at Baxter Park, but a young star is in doubt.
Cruiz West, who has kicked 54 goals this season, left the field in the first term with an injury to his arm after what appeared to be a heavy landing from a marking contest, taking no further part in the game.
“Cruiz copped a bit of a knock to his arm, he will be a test and Will Dalgleish will be a test as well,” Bastinac said.
“We will be taking in fit players and that is the key in finals, to be really fit … if there are people who aren’t 100 per cent, we won’t pick them.”
In other games across the Division 2 competition, Crib Point suffered heartbreak for the second consecutive year – missing finals by percentage in a serious case of déjà vu after losing to Chelsea by four points.
Everything that could’ve possibly went wrong for the Magpies did, as Devon Meadows and Somerville both recorded wins over the best two teams, with the Eagles’ 30-point win enough to edge Crib Point out of the top five by 1.37 per cent.
After leading by 10 points at the final break, Crib Point kicked 1.4 in the final term, giving up its lead and sliding from third to sixth in the process.
Captain Miles Shepherd took a mark about 40 metres out, directly in front with just 30 seconds to go – a goal required to play finals – but his kick missed to the right side.
Somerville secured fifth spot on the ladder after upsetting the benchmark team of the competition, Frankston Bombers by 30 points.
The Eagles led at every change and despite inaccuracy from both teams, they won and made it 10 victories from their past 11 matches as they approach finals with great momentum.
Somerville’s Mitch Mantell (25 disposals, nine marks) pulled down everything in defence, while Jack Maroney (21 disposals, one goal) and Corey Battams (two goals) impressed.
Seaford defeated Bonbeach by three points in a pulsating contest, while Tyabb won its third game of the year in a shootout against Hastings, prevailing 107-103.
Rye’s Ed Greene finished his season with 64 goals, after booting five in the Demons’ 21-point win over Karingal.
MPFNL DIVISION 2
Results – R18: Devon Meadows 12.12 (84) def Pearcedale 11.7 (73), Somerville 8.13 (61) def Frankston Bombers 3.13 (31), Chelsea 7.12 (54) def Crib Point 6.14 (50), Seaford 10.10 (70) def Bonbeach 9.13 (67), Rye 9.10 (64) def Karingal 6.7 (43), Tyabb 16.11 (107) def Hastings 14.19 (103).
Ladder: Frankston Bombers 64, Pearcedale 52, Devon Meadows, Chelsea, Somerville, Crib Point 48, Bonbeach 36, Rye 32, Seaford 28, Hastings, Tyabb 12, Karingal 4.
Finals Fixture: Qualifying Final (Saturday); Pearcedale (2) v Devon Meadows (3) at Baxter Park. Elimination Final (Sunday); Chelsea (4) v Somerville (5) at Chelsea Rec Reserve.
