KICKING the first goal in the final quarter of a close game is imperative – it can lift one team and deflate the other.
Craigieburn did just that in its Essendon District Football League division 1 clash with Taylors Lakes on Saturday. But perceptions can deceive.
Taylors Lakes then booted nine of the next 10 goals to run out 19.11 (125) to 12.12 (84) winners.
PICTURE GALLERY: Taylors Lakes v Craigieburn
It was a powerful finish and a strong statement from the Lions, who are assured of finals football and still have a number of senior players to return.
But for much of the day, Craigieburn, second-last with wins against only Westmeadows and Hadfield, matched it with Taylors Lakes.
The Eagles led by six points at quarter time, fell behind by 13 during the second quarter, and then got back in front with a four-goal-to-two third term.
But Taylors Lakes, led by six goals from Mark Xuereb and a terrific performance from Adem Asani (four), would not be denied.
For Lions coach Steve Burns the nine-goal final term felt like a return to his side’s best. “We’ve been a bit flat in the last two or three weeks so I was really happy with the response,” he said.
“Craigieburn hitting the front whacked our blokes round a bit and we’d been looking like we’d explode all day, but Craigieburn kept at it.
“Normally, sides drop away and as soon as they dropped off five or 10 per cent we got on top. We’ve been trying to find that killer instinct all year and the guys played exciting footy, got the ball down really quickly. It was great to watch.”
The win came at a big cost, however, with David Cantelmi suffering a shoulder injury that will likely end his season.
“We’ve had a horrendous run with injuries, which has really hurt us in the past six to eight weeks,” said Burns. “It’s been frustrating for us, but to finish off today with some belief and excitement was great to see.”
In division 2, Hillside got win number 14 for the year, beating Coburg Districts 16.11 (107) to 9.3 (57).
Keilor Park got the four points against East Sunbury but has the odd distinction of being the only team this season not to beat the Thunder by 100 points – winning 19.16 (130) to 7.5 (47).
