Campbell Edwardes, Sam Ramsay inspire Calder Cannons to thrilling wildcard round win over Tasmania

Draft hopeful Sam Ramsay and 17-year-old Campbell Edwardes stepped up to guide Calder Cannons past Tasmania Devils in a NAB League wildcard round thriller.

Sam Ramsay wins the ball for Calder Cannons against Eastern Ranges.

Calder Cannons are breathing a huge sigh of relief after surviving the NAB League wildcard round on Sunday.

Good kicking is good football, and the Cannons’ superior accuracy in front of goal helped secure a six-point win over Tasmania Devils.

The Devils had five more scoring shots but couldn’t convert as the Cannons pinched a 9.9 (63) to 7.15 (57) victory at Highgate Reserve.

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Cannons coach Ross Smith rated 17-year-old AFL Academy member Campbell Edwardes as best on ground with Lachlan Gollant — fresh off earning an AFL Draft state combine invite — not far behind.

Edwardes collected 20 disposals, 11 marks and a goal, while Gollant finished with 11 disposals and eight marks.

“I thought Campbell Edwardes was outstanding, as was Lachlan Gollant, those two guys played off the wing,” Smith said.

“Campbell’s really enjoyed his time on the wing, there’s not many 199cm wingman running around. He had 11 marks as well.

“Lachie is a late-comer to the group and really backed himself, he’s got an invitation to the state combine, which is really good for him.”

The Cannons will next take on Sandringham Dragons in an elimination final on Sunday at Princes Park.

Sam Ramsay continued his red-hot form to make AFL recruiters sit up and take notice, the midfielder racking up a game-high 33 disposals, 11 marks and a goal.

With the game on the line, Calder captain Brodie Newman stepped up with 22 possessions and 12 marks, while fellow defender Cody Brand earned Smith’s approval.

“Cody Brand saved us numerous times on the last line, he backed himself and marked the ball,” he said.

Sam Ramsay in action for Calder Cannons.

Brodie Newman in action for Calder Cannons. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Brodie was a little off early in the game but he got better as the game wore on.

“When it really mattered the most, when we needed our leaders to stand up, he did. I thought that was terrific.”

Scores were level at half-time and Tasmania took a five-point lead into three-quarter-time but the Cannons prevailed in a thrilling finish.

Smith praised the visitors performance but was proud of his players’ response under pressure.

“They were very good all day, Tassie, I thought they rarely fumbled, they ran the ball better than us, their work rate was at a higher level,” he said.

“But at the end we found enough. A number of players that were down for the day stood up in the last quarter.”

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