EDFL 2018: Strathmore scores crushing victory over Greenvale in Premier Division

STRATHMORE advanced to the Essendon District Football League Premier Division preliminary final after bulldozing Greenvale with a superb first half.

STRATHMORE advanced to the Essendon District Football League Premier Division preliminary final after bulldozing Greenvale with a superb first half on Sunday.

After conceding the first major of the elimination final at Windy Hill, the Mores booted eight unanswered goals to kill the contest.

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They led by 48 points at halftime before extending that advantage to 67 points at three-quarter-time.

Strathmore then took the chance to prepare for this week as they claimed a 40-point victory, 13.12 (90) to 7.8 (50).

Strathmore and Greenvale lock horns in the EDFL Premier Division elimination final on Sunday. Picture: Jamie Morey

“If you can tick over a 40-point lead, you shouldn’t ever lose from there,” Mores coach Nathan Grima said.

“We were able to play three really strong quarters and then get guys through and ready for next week, which was pleasing.”

Midfielders Adam Iaccobucci and Nick O’Brien had the ball on a string to spearhead the triumph.

“They’re class acts,” Grima said. “They just do everything right. They’re just good blokes to have at your club because they genuinely care.”

Strathmore and Greenvale lock horns in the EDFL Premier Division elimination final on Sunday. Picture: Jamie Morey

With Andrew Horne (hamstring) and Tyson Mitchem (calf) sidelined, youngsters Ben Holian and Andrew Todorov stood tall under pressure.

“They held up their end of the bargain and that allowed us to keep our structure and not have to panic and put (Jaryd) Cachia on ball,” Grima said. “We were able to keep him on a wing where he’s played his best footy.”

The result set up a preliminary final against Mick McGuane’s Keilor at Windy Hill this weekend.

Strathmore prevailed by 12 points in Round 1, while the Blues won by 19 points in Round 10.

The Mores have reason to be full of confidence, having won 12 of their past 14 matches.

“Mick McGuane is someone I really admire and look up to as a coach,” Grima said.

“We chat a lot on the phone and he’s someone you want to emulate. Now it’s a good opportunity to come up against that.”

Horne, Mitchem and Nick Lower are all in line to return for the preliminary final.