EFL 2018: Vermont set to welcome back key personnel after battling to 11-point win over North Ringwood

AN undermanned Vermont produced a final-quarter fightback against North Ringwood to maintain its position at the top of the Eastern Football League Division 1 ladder.

LIGHT on for personnel, but not short on character.

An undermanned Vermont produced a final-quarter fightback against North Ringwood to maintain its position at the top of the Eastern Football League Division 1 ladder, with the Eagles set to welcome back a host of big names in the coming weeks.

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The Saints appeared on track for an upset victory at three-quarter time on Saturday, holding a 12-point lead at Quambee Reserve in trying conditions that produced a total of eight goals to that point.

But three goals — two from Brett Eddy and the other from Jake Best — in the final term helped Vermont to a gritty 6.14 (50) to 5.9 (39) victory.

Vermont coach Harmit Singh praised his side’s ability to fight back, keeping the Saints to just one behind in the last quarter.

Vermont coach Harmit Singh assesses his options. Picture: Davis Harrigan.

“I was really pleased with our contest work in the last quarter and the ability to gain territory in difficult conditions keeping it in our front half,” Singh said.

“Hats off to North Ringwood, they were terrific, they’ve had a lot of injuries but the ladder position doesn’t reflect where we rate them as a team.”

Again, injuries and availability made the Eagles’ selectors stew during the week, making another five changes to the top of the table side.

“We have obviously been hit hard (with injuries), playing 40-odd players for the season but it has provided some good opportunities,” Singh said.

Vermont forward Jake Best kicks for goal. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“It hasn’t been easy making five and six changes a week … it’s just about getting that synergy within the group.

“I’m confident over the next few weeks, hopefully we can settle the side down a little bit and we can play our best footy.”

Asked who was to come back into the side, Singh reeled off a long list of key playmakers — captain Lachie Johns, Robbie McComb, Adam Parker, Tom Maas, Cam Howat, Joey Fisher, Cam Purdy and Kyle Staples were all missing on the weekend.

“They’ll put their hand up for selection over the next couple of weeks,” he said.

“We’ll get some back next week and different players will probably drip feed in over the next few weeks.”

Elsewhere in Division 1, Blackburn led by 48 points early in the third quarter against Balwyn but survived a stunning comeback to finish with a three-point win.