By David Nagel
A superlative 12-goal performance from Casey-listed Matt Johnson has propelled Beaconsfield to a thumping 110-point victory over Upper Ferntree Gully on Saturday.
Johnson put his exquisite one-on-one skills to good use, kicking 12.7 in the Eagles 20.10.130 to 3.2.20 victory at Kings Park.
Johnson has struggled to break into a powerful Casey team in the VFL, with the Demons already securing the minor-premiership with 16 wins on the trot.
But Casey’s loss is Beaconsfield’s gain…with the talented right-footer producing a forward-half masterclass.
“I feel a bit for Matty, simply because he’s only had one opportunity at Casey and I just hope they take a bit of notice of this,” said Beaconsfield coach Mick Fogarty.
“Matt’s been absolutely awesome all season, he’s a class above, it’s as simple as that, he’s a class above at this level but comes back every week and gives us 120-percent.
“Just to have his presence on the ground is awesome for our footy club.
“He got rewarded on the weekend…we just exposed him one on one and he went to work. It was a special performance from Matty on the weekend.”
Johnson’s stunning performance came at a perfect time for the Eagles, with club-captain Jake Bowd playing his 100th game for the club.
Fogarty was equally as excited by his skipper’s milestone as he was with Johnson’s performance.
“He’s just a wonderful servant and continues to be a wonderful leader for our footy club,” Fogarty said.
“His leadership is exemplary, both on and off the field, and it’s a credit to him that is held in such high esteem.
“He’s a wonderful person, as well as being a wonderful player for us, so it was important to get the job done, not only for ourselves, our supporters and our club, but for him as well.”
Fogarty said it was terrific to see his team play an attractive brand of football and match its highest score for the season.
“It’s reward, because we’ve been in every game apart from two, where the opposition got a hold of us, so for the boys to be able express themselves and play some strong football, and get a result like that, was very pleasing,” he said.
Trent Stokoe, Kade De La Rue and ruckman Pat Gerdan joined Johnson on the list of best players for the Eagles, who have two games remaining to round out their season.
A trip to Mitcham this week will be followed by a home game against Lilydale.
RESULTS – ROUND 16
UPPER FERNTREE GULLY 2.1 2.1 3.2 3.2(20)
BEACONSFIELD 4.1 10.6 15.7 20.10(130)
Upper Ferntree Gully Goals: T. Strange, L. Strachan, R. Bailey. Best: B. Todd, M. Brasher, S. Smith, T. Strange, H. Boyce, J. Richardson.
Beaconsfield Goals: M. Johnson 12, K. De La Rue 2, M. Wilson 2, H. Brough 2, J. Bowd. Best: M. Johnson, T. Stokoe, K. De La Rue, P. Gerdan, D. Johnston, J. Bowd.
OTHER GAMES
Bayswater 10.8.68 v Mooroolbark 12.14.86, Croydon 7.6.48 v Mitcham 17.8.110, Montrose 13.11.89 v Lilydale 8.8.56, Wantirna South 5.5.35 v East Ringwood 15.12.102.
LADDER
East Ringwood 60, Mooroolbark 60, Mitcham 36, Wantirna South 36, Croydon 36, Montrose 32, Bayswater 24, Beaconsfield 20, Lilydale 16, Upper Ferntree Gully 0.
FIXTURE – ROUND 17
Mitcham v Beaconsfield, East Ringwood v Upper Ferntree Gully, Mooroolbark v Croydon, Lilydale v Wantirna South, Montrose v Bayswater.
