AFL Yarra Ranges: Upwey Tecoma knocks off Wandin to go a game clear at the top

Upwey Tecoma has gone a game clear at the top of the Division 1 ladder after a thumping win over the previously-second Wandin at the Upwey Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Upwey Tecoma coach Liam Burke praised his side’s improved defence after quarter-time. Picture Chris Eastman

Upwey Tecoma has gone a game clear at the top of the Division 1 ladder after a thumping win over the previously-second Wandin at the Upwey Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The Tigers’ 20.13 (133) to 9.12 (66) win over the Bulldogs, coupled with previous leaders Olinda Ferny Creek going down to Mount Evelyn, took them to 6-2 with the Bloods, Woori Yallock, Wandin, Mount Evelyn and Healesville a game further back.

Remarkably, the Tigers trailed the Bulldogs by 15 points at quarter-time before unleashing an eight-goal second term to lead by 16 points at the half.

From there, Upwey Tecoma was untroubled, holding Wandin to a solitary goal in the second half while chalking up the 67-point win.

With the competition as tight as it’s been in a decade, every week throws up finals-like pressure.

“We spoke before the game about how important games against teams around the mark are,” coach Liam Burke said. “We had to take our chances against a really good team. We could have dropped out of the five.

“At quarter-time we were pretty disappointed with leaking that many goals.

“(But) I didn’t have to rev them up at all. Coming in to the huddle, they were all of the same mindset. I think we held them to about four goals after that.

“We’ve got a really good group of guys who’ve really bought into what we are doing. There were no passengers yesterday.”

Daniel Waters bagged another seven goals, for 48 in the first eight games, while David Bell and Blair Sheppard kicked three apiece.

Waters earned plenty of praise from his coach not only for his goalkicking but his tireless work, which had him up on the wing taking contested marks, as well as bringing team mates into the game.

“He’s an unbelievable footballer,” Burke said. “We’ve been impressed with the improvements he’s made to his game as a whole. Not only did he kick seven but he had a hand in about another four.

“I reckon it was the best game he’s played for us.”

Bryan Cole and Healesville have joined the finals race after a one-point thriller against Monbulk. Picture: Christopher Chan.

Liam Beacom earned the Tigers’ nod as best on ground while Patrick Hodgett, Harrison Byrne and Jackson Byrne battled gamely for Wandin in the hefty defeat.

Meanwhile, in a battle befitting a final, sixth-placed Healesville edged to a one-point thriller at Monbulk.

Despite wayward kicking, Healesville saluted 11.21 (87) to 13.8 (86) and clings to a place in the five-team logjam between second and sixth.

Matthew Jeffery kicked three goals for Healesville while Nicholas Mende was best afield. Michael Langworthy kicked four for the Hawks.

Olinda Ferny Creek tumbled from the top of the ladder after a 10.12 (72) to 7.14 (56) loss to Mount Evelyn at home. Mount trailed by 14 points at the final change before holding the Bloods to a solitary behind in the final term while unleashing a five-goal burst itself.

Andrew Chalkley kicked three goals for the Rovers while Ashley Gibbons and Thomas Scopel played a big part in the victory.

Despite the win, Mount Evelyn dropped from fourth to fifth on percentage.

In the remaining games, Emerald beat Warburton Millgrove 19.21 (135) to 8.7 (55) at Mac Sparke Oval while Woori Yallock went from fifth to third with a 17.24 (126) to 7.4 (46) win over Belgrave.