By David Nagel
Beaconsfield has wasted a golden opportunity to lock down a place in this year’s Eastern Division One finals series after succumbing to its nearest challenger Mooroolbark on Saturday.
The Eagles gave up six of seven goals during the second and third quarters on their way a comprehensive 5.11(41) to 10.5(65) defeat, that now sees them drop to fifth place on the ladder.
Things would still appear to be rosy for the Eagles, who sit two games and a healthy percentage clear of the Mustangs in sixth place; but the race to secure a finals place is certainly not over yet.
Mooroolbark faces the bottom-four teams in the competition in its six-game journey on the way home, while Mick Fogarty and his Eagles face the top-four; including South Belgrave (2), Montrose (3) and Park Orchards (1) in the next three weeks.
Doncaster (9), Mitcham (4) and Bayswater (7) follow, with the Eagles likely to need two wins from their last six games to be part of the finals action.
The Eagles were simply outhunted by a more determined opponent on Saturday, who handled the greasy and slippery conditions in far superior fashion.
Fogarty was forced to make three changes from last week’s win over North Ringwood, with Damien Johnston missing through concussion protocols, while Hayden Brown was back in Collingwood VFL colours and Casey Wassylko was back on the sidelines after his first senior game for the year.
The Eagles welcomed back forward-mid Nathan Wright, while Brady Niezgodka was in for his second game for the season and Finn Devine came in to ply his trade in the ruck.
Visible pools of water; inside the fence, but outside the boundary line, gave an indication of the type of footy that was needed.
The Eagles, clearly missing the strength and experience of Johnston through the midfield, conceded the first two goals of the match, with Lachie Valentine giving away a free kick to Sam Gebert, before Cayden Maki took a strong one-on-one mark after 17 minutes of play.
Beaconsfield never really looked threatening; but two clever goals gave the visitors a one-point lead heading into the first break.
Hayden Brough slotted a curling right-foot snap from the forward pocket, before Darren Minchington used his body to perfection in the wet conditions before kicking a checkside six-pointer from the opposite pocket.
Both goals came within the space of two minutes, but Mooroolbark had more control of the contest and seemed to be playing the better footy.
Jackson Gilbee confirmed that rating, kicking a long bomb to start the second, before Myles Currie answered for Beaconsfield; ducking out the back for an easy open goal.
Mooroolbark then kicked the next five goals to guarantee the destination of the four premiership points.
Trent Georgiou was proving too strong for Declan Curran, marking and kicking two goals in the third, while Gilbee kicked another long goal on the run to open up a 14-point lead at half time.
The Eagles had more tickets in the raffle, having eight shots to seven in the first half; but a 6.1 to 3.5 scoreline meant their number was almost up.
The run of play continued for Mooroolbark in the third, with Gebert kicking a freak kick off the ground from the forward pocket to make something out of nothing.
A 27-point lead at the final break was too big a gap in the conditions; the Mustangs conceding the first of the final term before regaining their grip on things.
Devine was serviceable in the ruck for Beaconsfield, while Connor Mouat and Jack Docherty gave their all in the back half and Josh Mounter was a solid contributor; filling the big shoes of Johnston through the midfield.
Johnston will once again be unavailable for this week’s massive home clash against South Belgrave, while the good news is that Jafar Ocaa made his return to footy in a winning team in the reserves.
The return of Brown would also be important; as the Eagles hunt for the first of those two wins required to play finals footy this year.
EASTERN DIVISION ONE
MOOROOLBARK 2.0 6.1 8.4 10.5(65)
BEACONSFIELD 2.1 3.5 3.7 5.11(41)
Mooroolbark Goals: Trent Georgiou 3, Jackson Gilbee 3, Sam Gebert 2, Cayden Maki, Ryan Symons. Best: Austin Smith, Jett Hartman, Rhys Crossley, Kane Noonan, Jye Peacock, Trent Georgiou.
Beaconsfield Goals: Hayden Brough, Myles Currie, Darren Minchington, Charlie Muley. Best: Finn Devine, Connor Mouat, Joshua Mounter, Myles Currie, Brady Niezgodka, Jack Docherty.
Other Games R12: Mitcham 8.11(59) def Montrose 4.9(33), Park Orchards 19.15(129) def North Ringwood 8.8(56), South Belgrave 16.12(108) def Doncaster 4.5(29), Wantirna South 14.4(88) def Bayswater 7.6(48).
Ladder: Park Orchards 44, South Belgrave 36, Montrose, Mitcham, Beaconsfield 32, Mooroolbark 24, Bayswater 16, North Ringwood 12, Doncaster 8, Wantirna South 4.
Fixture R13: Beaconsfield (5) v South Belgrave (2), Bayswater (7) v Mitcham (4), Doncaster (9) v Wantirna South (10), Montrose (3) v Park Orchards (1), North Ringwood (8) v Mooroolbark (6).
