By David Nagel
Beaconsfield can ‘officially’ prepare for a second-consecutive Eastern Division One finals series after the Eagles outclassed Doncaster by 94 points at Holm Park Reserve on Saturday.
The Eagles, currently fifth, are now three games clear of sixth-placed Mooroolbark with two rounds remaining in the season.
There is still a very small chance that Mick Fogarty’s team could squeeze into third place on the ladder; but things would very much need to fall in their favour.
The Eagles, for their part, need to defeat Mitcham (2nd) and Bayswater (8th) to keep that dream alive.
Fogarty made two key inclusions to Saturday’s side, with midfielder Damien Johnston returning after missing a month of footy after a sickening concussion in round 11, while defender Trent Stokoe was back on the scene for his first game since round seven.
Stokoe’s inclusion was vital, allowing Fogarty to switch skipper Jake Bowd to a more permanent forward role.
The move paid dividends immediately, with Bowd putting the first on the board after 45 seconds of play after a great hit-up from Kade De La Rue.
Further goals to Jafar Ocaa and Bowd were answered by Yu Yu Ashwin and Max Dooley for Doncaster, before Charlie Muley converted a six-pointer to begin a run of nine straight goals for Beaconsfield.
The 13-point lead at quarter time quickly blew out to 44 points at the main break, before a 4.4 to 0.1 third term saw the teams head for home with the Eagles 71 points ahead.
Wayland Wales kicked the first of the last quarter for Doncaster, before the Eagles slammed home four unanswered goals to record an impressive 16.19(115) to 3.3(21) victory.
Ocaa kicked five, and Bowd three, to lead a productive forward line that included Hayden Brough, Hayden Brown and Muley slotting two goals each.
The Eagles played some terrific football and had many winners on the day.
Casey Wassylko, as usual, gave everything he had in the ruck, while Ethan Harris and Brown gave the home side some great run and carry on the wings.
De La Rue and Mitch Szybkowski were superb for the Eagles through the midfield, while Johnston got through unscathed and will be better for the run.
The Eagles still have some key injuries, but appear stronger than they have been at certain times throughout the season.
Reflecting that is that Mackay Bateson, Corey Brown, Michael Cameron, Ben Fogarty, Nick McPherson, Taelor Reyment, Mitch Summers and Patrick Ward – who have all played senior football this season – played in the reserves on Saturday.
Beaconsfield will be looking for redemption this week after losing to Mitcham by 70 points back in round eight.
It was the Eagles biggest loss and clearly worst performance of the season.
BEACONSFIELD 4.3 8.10 12.14 16.19(115)
DONCASTER 2.2 2.2 2.3 3.3(21)
Beaconsfield Goals: Jafar Ocaa 5, Jake Bowd 3, Hayden Brough 2, Hayden Brown 2, Charlie Muley 2, Kade De La Rue, Damien Johnston. Best: Casey Wassylko, Ethan Harris, Kade De La Rue, Jafar Ocaa, Hayden Brown, Mitch Szybkowski.
Doncaster Goals: Yu Yu Ashwin, Max Dooley, Wayland Wales. Best: Wayland Wales, Josh Moylan, Nicholas Komen, Ben Munks, Max Dooley, Sam Goodwin.
Other Games: Bayswater 7.11(53) def Park Orchards 16.11(107), Montrose 13.13(91) def Mooroolbark 12.11(83), North Ringwood 9.8(62) def by Mitcham 15.7(97), South Belgrave 18.11(119) def Wantirna South 8.9(57).
Ladder: Park Orchards 60, Mitcham 48, South Belgrave 48, Montrose 40, Beaconsfield 40/Mooroolbark 28, North Ringwood 20, Bayswater 20, Doncaster 12, Wantirna South 4.
Fixture R17: Bayswater (8) v South Belgrave (3), Doncaster (9) v Park Orchards (1), Mitcham (2) v Beaconsfield (5), Mooroolbark (6) v Wantirna South (10), North Ringwood (7) v Montrose (4).
