AFL Yarra Ranges 2018: Wandin remains right in the finals mix in the closest race in years

Wandin maintained its challenge for an all-important top three finish in AFL Yarra Ranges Division 1 after a fighting win over Mount Evelyn at home on Saturday.

Wandin maintained its challenge for an all-important top three finish in AFL Yarra Ranges Division 1 after a fighting win over Mount Evelyn at home on Saturday.

The Bulldogs saluted 15.9 (99) to 11.4 (70) and, though fourth, they trail Olinda Ferny Creek, Upwey Tecoma and Woori Yallock by percentage alone.

As a result of their 29-point defeat, the Rovers have slipped to 5-5, a two-game gap opening between them and the top five.

But, for large chunks of Saturday’s clash, the outcome looked likely to be anything but a happy one for the Bulldogs.

WHICH VFL PLAYERS SHOULD YOUR CLUB BE TARGETING?

COUNTRY FOOTBALLER’S MONSTER GAME

WHY IS AN AFL ROOKIE PLAYING LOCAL FOOTY?

Indeed, they trailed by 14 points at the final change of ends and needed an eight-goal final quarter to set the seal on a win that, on paper at least, looked a comfortable one.

Harrison Byrne, Clinton Johnston and Justin Van Unen all bagged three goals for the Bulldogs while John Ladner was named best-afield.

Wandin coach Nick Rutley said the game had swung back and forth with control of the midfield, the Bulldogs having the edge over the all-important last half-hour.

John Ladner helped Wandin fly high on Saturday. Picture: Lawrence Pinder.

“It absolutely was a game of stoppages,” he said. “It really was a game played between the arcs. In that last quarter we blew them out of the water a bit I think.

“John Ladner was enormous in that last quarter.”

With most of the leading contenders battling injuries to key personnel, Rutley praised the young Wandin talent that had stepped up and filled the gaps.

“Harrison Byrne, Jackson Byrne, Tom Leech-Hines, the development has been just brilliant,” he said. “It’s huge. They’re all home grown kids and they just love the joint.”

The Wandin boss was also quick to praise the off-field support he was receiving.

“My assistant coaches Nick Adam and Dave Tilley have been enormous,” he said. “They’ve grown in leaps and bounds. Having them in my back pocket makes things so much easier. It’s no dictatorship here, there really are some great conversations.”

Like most in the league, Rutley has been energised by the close nature of the 2018 season and put a lot of it down to the high quality of coach in the league this year:

“(Mark) Fisher (Mount Evelyn) yesterday, there’s (Brendan) Donovan up at Olinda and Scooter (Scott Sutherland)’s doing great things at Monbulk and Jack (Healesville’s Bryan Cole), he’s been around for ever and (Liam) Burke’s a playing coach at Upwey,” he said.

Meanwhile, reigning premier Olinda Ferny Creek continues to hold down top spot after an 11.8 (74) to 7.9 (51) win over Monbulk at home. The Hawks held a 13-point lead at quarter-time, but the Bloods had all the answers and gradually took control after halftime with James Charge booting four.

Upwey Tecoma leapfrogged Woori Yallock into second spot when a wayward 12.23 (95) to 3.7 (25) win over Belgrave at the Upwey Recreation Reserve gave its percentage a handy kickalong. Star forward Dan Waters was back in form with a five-goal haul for the Tigers.

Woori Yallock did what was expected and took care of bottom side Warburton Millgrove 13.21 (99) to 10.8 (68) at Yarra Junction while Healesville kept itself in the finals race with a 15.9 (99) to 11.16 (82) win at Emerald, Jaden McGrath bagging five goals for the Bloods.