EDFL 2018: Jacana scores first win of Division 1 season over Oak Park

JACANA avoided the ignominy of a winless season and sent departing coach Robert Fletcher out on a high with a tense EDFL final-round victory over Oak Park.

JACANA avoided the ignominy of a winless season on Saturday with a tense final-round victory over Oak Park in Essendon District Football League Division 1.

The Jaguars sent departing premiership coach Robert Fletcher out on a winning note with an eight-point triumph, snapping a 15-game losing run.

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Injuries have hampered last year’s Division 2 premier all year, but the club finally had reason to smile after a 13.7 (85) to 11. 11 (77) win.

“It’s something they deserve. They’ve improved out of sight,” said Fletcher, who was in charge for two seasons.

“We’ve had lots and lots of injuries, which I know every footy club does, but to have probably 10 of your best players out … we’ve had at least five or six blokes every week double up and play in the twos and ones.”

Jacana trailed by 14 points at the final change before powering home with a five-goal-to-two last quarter.

Jason Cloke was one of Jacana’s best in its win over Oak Park. Picture: Jamie Morey

Fletcher praised the contributions of Jason Cloke, Justin Dorward and Shannon Bennett as the underdog simply refused to roll over in the final game of a forgettable season.

“It wasn’t about anyone else other than those 22 (players), who haven’t agued with each other and haven’t blamed anyone. It was just about them getting a win. They deserved it,” Fletcher said.

“A lot of (Oak Park’s) shots were 50m out. We defended really well and didn’t give them the shots we’ve been giving other sides, within the 20-30m mark.

“We got to some stages where we thought we were just going to fall short again, but the boys dug deep.

“The boys just kept running and kept putting pressure on, and our leaders stood up.”

Robert Fletcher was in charge at Jacana for two seasons. Picture: Ian Currie

Jacana is keen to remain in the second tier after finishing in last position, two games behind eighth-placed Westmeadows.

Two clubs could be added to the EDFL’s senior ranks for 2019, with Keilor Park set to return after a year in recess and RDFL outfit Sunbury Kangaroos in discussions with the league about a possible switch.

It is possible the EDFL will implement its favoured 10-10-8 structure for its three divisions next year, which could mean the Jaguars remain in Division 1.

Fletcher, who stood down after rejecting a two-year contract offer from the Jaguars, said his future would be decided in coming weeks.

“I’ve had a few clubs ring,” he said.

“I just said I wanted to finish the year off and be fully committed to Jacana and I’ll sit down at the end of the year and weigh up what I want to do, if I want to coach or take one of these offers up.”