If there were any doubts about Yarraville-Seddon, they were dispelled emphatically in Saturday’s stirring come-from-behind, 21-point win over Caroline Springs.
The Eagles stalled in the gates in the Western Region Football League division 2 blockbuster at Yarraville Oval, staring at a deficit midway through the opening term.
But there was no dropping of heads, only a fighting spirit that shone through to win the day.
“Really impressed with the group,” Eagles coach Dean Callaway told Star Weekly. “We just had to persevere, not get frustrated, not panic.”
Despite Yarraville-Seddon’s best efforts, it was still down on the scoreboard come three-quarter time.
The Eagles summoned one final charge to not only wrench away the four points but win in style.
“We were nine points down at three-quarter time and I just asked for a massive effort from every player,” Callaway said.
Lachie Longmire capped a best-on-ground performance with three last-quarter goals.
Longmire had five goals for the game and didn’t play solely as a forward. He rotated through the midfield with Macauley Goring, who was also dangerous with two goals while resting forward.
“Macauley and Lachie, they’re just leaders,” Callaway said. “They’ve got great footy smarts.”
Gareth Newton was another one to step up, and Mason Angove was impactful in the ruck.
Yarraville-Seddon goes into the bye level on points with top side North Footscray, which had a 219-point win over local rivals West Footscray at Shorten Reserve.
Both teams are eight point clear of third- placed Caroline Springs.
In division 1, Spotswood paid tribute to former coach Ben Kelly. The Woodsmen had their most recent senior premiership flags at half mast. Visitors St Albans, who also paid their respects pre-game, came away with a 20-point win from a hard-fought contest.
In division 3, Laverton got reward for persistence, claiming its first win of the season by 21 points over North Sunshine.
