EDFL 2018: Tullamarine’s attacking mindset paying dividends in Division 1
TULLAMARINE showcased its array of forward options in a gutsy Essendon District Football League victory over flag rival Craigieburn.
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TULLAMARINE showcased its array of forward options in Saturday’s gutsy Essendon District Football League victory over flag rival Craigieburn.
With Ryan Pretty limited to one major and Anthony Prestia still on the sidelines after suffering a compound fracture of his finger against Airport West last month, the Demons boasted 10 goalkickers in the 15.18 (108) to 13.14 (92) win.
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Bradley Allen, the Division 1 club’s leading goalkicker in 2018, bagged three and was ably supported by Jordan Port, Steven Vocale and Anthony Franchina, who all contributed two.
“From the start of the year that was one of the plans, to try to get a little bit more offence into the side,” Tullamarine coach David Connell said.
“Maybe a little bit concerning that they’ve kicked 13 goals against us, but I think it’s only the (fourth) time someone’s kicked 90-plus against.
“Craigieburn has done it twice, but on the flip side, for us to break the 100-point mark and have 10 goalkickers — that’s the sort of spread that we want.”
Little separated the teams all afternoon, with the Demons holding a slender advantage at each break after quarter-time.
Russell Laurie restricted prolific Craigieburn full-forward Dean Limbach to three goals, while Mark Maric was a dominant presence in the ruck.
Kane Mulvaney, Jonathan Hardman and Jack Burns also impressed for the winning side.
While pleased his team knocked off a tough opposition for the second time this season, Connell lamented the Demons’ ball use.
“No disrespect to Craigieburn, I don’t think we played our best footy, but we were brave when we had to be brave,” he said.
“We probably gave them half-a-dozen goals just from turnovers, so we’ve probably got to clean that up a little bit.
“We gutsed it out, that’s for sure. It was a good win and we were really challenged.
“We got out to a couple of goals a few times and every time we did they kept fighting back. It was pretty tight all day. It was like a final really, so it will do the boys good in the long-term.”
Connell believes the premiership race was wide open, with Airport West, Tullamarine and Craigieburn leading the way, while Hillside and Taylors Lakes are battling to grab fourth position.
The Demons will tackle Hillside away from home in Round 14.
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