Goal sneak Andrew Panayi came to the rescue for the Western Region Football League in its heart-stopping three-point win over Ballarat Football League in the AFL Victoria Community Championships at the Whitten Oval on Saturday.
After a see-sawing game, Matthew Notman put the BFL in front deep into time-on of the last quarter, but the WRFL kept pressing and bombed a ball into the forward line, where Panayi was infringed upon in front of goal.
The rest was on the shoulders of the Werribee Districts forward, who did not let his side down with a set shot.
WRFL onballer Matt Dean said Panayi had been tagged “the iceman” because of the coolness with which he’d kicked the winning goal under immense pressure.
“We gave him an opportunity – kicked into the forward line and he got dragged down holding-the-man and didn’t miss from right in front,” Dean said.
WRFL coach Anthony Eames and his assistant, Steve Thom, asked for total commitment and pride in the jumper and that is exactly what they got.
The WRFL’s big-name former AFL players were no shows, so the league showcased the best locally-produced talent.
“It would’ve been awesome to have had the opportunity to play with people who have had the AFL experience, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, injuries or wanting a rest, they didn’t put their hand up,” Dean said.
“It gave an opportunity to other people who were more committed and more prepared to do what it takes to win on the day.”
Dean was outstanding at the coal face for the WRFL, collecting best-on-ground honours.
The Werribee Districts captain believes the medal could have easily gone to a number of his teammates.
“There were probably a handful of other people that probably could’ve taken it,” he said.
“I appreciate the people adjudged me worthy of the medal, but it’s a lot more enjoyable just to be a part of a win with the 22 other blokes who went out there today.”
Murray Boyd was colossal for the WRFL. The big man from Spotswood excelled in whichever positions he was deployed.
“He was up forward, in the ruck and dropping back … he was everywhere,” Dean said.
“As a big, strong presence on the field, everyone looks up to him and respects him very highly in the western region. He was a major factor in us being able to win.”
Jase Perkins (Deer Park) was the focal point for the WRFL with four goals, while small forward Daniel Castellano (Sunshine) also kicked four.
David Sablich (Spotswood), Braden Ferrari (Hoppers Crossing) and Tim Quick (Deer Park) also had major impacts.
On the back of their victory, the WRFL has moved up to sixth in the statewide rankings.
They are slipping under the radar and thriving on the underdog tag.
Dean paid credit to Eames and Thom, the side’s coaches, and their fervent desire to earn respect for their league.
“They’re just so passionate about the western region – they’re western suburbs people and have grown up in the area.
“They have a bit of a mission to try and prove a point. Hopefully, over the next few years we can fight ourselves up the ranks and earn that respect.”
