By Jonty Ralphsmith
Endeavour Hills’ hot form streak has continued with a 6.13 49 to 4.9 44 victory over Caulfield.
For the fifth consecutive week, the Falcons have gone into three-quarter-time with the game on the line, and have emerged victorious in three of the last four games.
A three goal to zero last term iced the game for Endeavour Hills, with the youngsters making a statement against a finals-bound opponent.
Sam Delosa had presence inside 50, providing an important target all day, while the physicality of Fallon Wanganeen was crucial in helping Endeavour Hills pull away.
The ability of the defence to stand up has been another theme of recent weeks.
On average, Endeavour Hills has conceded a tick under six goals across the last five weeks, and have been kept goalless in the last quarter in the last two games.
It’s an unbelievable late season record, given fatigue and mental fragility is often associated with young teams late in games and late in seasons.
Endeavour Hills currently sit two games and percentage outside the five with four games remaining so while finals is off the cards, the experience of standing up in big moments will transfer into 2025.
Meanwhile, Hampton Park was also on the winner’s list kicking 16.11 107 to 7.4 46 against St Kilda City to bank a home victory.
Nathan Langley has proven a big midseason recruit inside 50, kicking 17 goals in five games since returning to the Spiders, providing crucial support to the energetic Declan Brunell.
Langley’s strong contest work was rewarded in tough conditions, kicking four goals, while Brunell and clean marking Aaron Holden each finished with three.
At Keysborough, a seven goal to one first half set the tone for Doveton in a clinical 11.18 84 to 5.7 37 victory.
Brothers Deakyn and Will Smith waxed well together throughout the day, while the big-bodied Harley Primrose enjoyed the physicality.
In Division 1, Cranbourne got a win it simply needed to bank, defeating Mordialloc 7.9 51 to 1.2 8, led by co-captains Dylan Cavalot and Zak Roscoe and star mid Jarryd Barker.
The Eagles currently sit a game and seven per cent behind fifth-placed East Brighton.
Saturday’s game between the Eagles and Vampires will be significant in which side gets the last finals spot – but the Eagles do have a simpler last three weeks of the regular season on paper.
