Yarraville-Seddon had its back to the wall in the last quarter of Saturday’s stirring six-point win over North Footscray in the WRFL division 2 second semi-final at Dempster Park.
The Eagles were battling with three men down and only one rotation, a daunting prospect when you have a Devils side staring you down with no intentions of going away quietly.
In the face of adversity, the Eagles refused to yield, holding on for a famous victory and booking the first spot in this year’s grand final.
Eagles coach Dean Callaway was thrilled with the effort.
“We had people running off their feet due to the limitation in rotations,” he said. “I had 22 contributors that really wanted to play for each other.”
Yarraville-Seddon had been impeccable until three-quarter time, the Eagles holding the Devils to just three goals in the first three quarters to lead by 33 points.
When you lose one of your premier onballers in Lachie Longmire (calf), compounded by injuries to Jason Compton (calf) and Ben McCrorey (hamstring), who is doubtful for the grand final in two weeks’ time, you are going to need every bit of that lead in a tense final 30 minutes.
North Footscray threw everything it had at a comeback win, but the Eagles held on for a 10.9 (69)-8.15 (63) thriller.
“They’re a quality team,” said Callaway of North Footscray. “They had 15 scoring shots in the last quarter and kicked 5.10, but I thought we actually defended really well. Our back six were fantastic. The guys were out on their legs in the last quarter – they just had to stick thick and play tough footy, and they did that.”
Ryan Cornish was the igniter on the ball for Yarraville-Seddon.
Cornish played the same role he had done all year, this time getting the plaudits he deserved.
“I’m rapt for him because he probably doesn’t get the accolades of some of his teammates, but he’s the one that’s feeding it out and they’re finishing off the work that he does,” Callaway said.
Gareth Newton produced another captain’s game, leading the Eagles by example.
Kevin Johnson and Jacob Connors were outstanding in defence, while Jack Collins thrived in a run-with role.
While Yarraville-Seddon goes straight through to the grand final, North Footscray will meet Caroline Springs in the preliminary final at Dempster Park on Saturday.
Caroline Springs had a 109-point win over Glen Orden in the first semi-final.
In division 1, Altona cruised to a 37-point win over Spotswood in a low-scoring elimination final at Burbank Oval in Sunday.
Mitch Turnbull continued his strong form in front of goal with four majors.
Altona set up a cut-throat semi-final back at Burbank Oval against Werribee Districts on Sunday.
Werribee Districts enters on the back of an eight-point defeat at the hands of Hoppers Crossing in the qualifying final.
