EDFL 2019: Aberfeldie defeats Greenvale by 22 points

With former AFL player Kyle Reimers sidelined, James Peters stood tall for Aberfeldie on Saturday as the reigning premier had the better of rival contender Greenvale.

James Peters booted four goals for Aberfeldie on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Aberfeldie small forward James Peters delivered an eye-catching display in the absence of sharpshooter Kyle Reimers on Saturday as the reigning premier overcame a slow start to topple rival Greenvale.

Peters bagged four goals — his equal best haul of 2019 — in his side’s 22-point EDFL Premier Division victory away from home, 13.10 (88) to 10.6 (66).

He was well supported by Jayden Foster, who contributed three majors, as second-placed Abers improved their record to 12-1.

“He has got some continuity with his football, which is really important,” Aberfeldie co-coach Adam Potter said of Peters.

“He’s had a really injury-interrupted last few years, so really pleasing for him.

“The way he gets up the ground and then works back to goal was at a really good standard, which meant he was in the game all day.”

Aberfeldie co-coach Adam Potter calls the shots. Picture: Andy Brownbill

With Jaryd Cachia also sidelined, Sam Cattapan, Luke Blackwell and Victor Carboni stood tall in the midfield.

While Aberfeldie has plenty of big names on its list, youngsters Matthew Williamson, Jacob Martin, Harry Fry, Mark Gregory and Jack Arceri continue to impress.

As does Jorden Braddy, who is showing he can match it with opposition big men in the top flight.

Braddy played for East Sunbury in Division 2 last season and arrived at Clifton Park over summer.

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“He’s been a really important player for us,” Potter said.

“He wanted to test himself at a higher level … and really build a solid base in terms of his fitness.

“His aerobic capacity, for a ruckman, is quite good and he’s just increased his confidence at the level and therefore he has become really competitive.

“He just listens and loves the game. Having a big bloke that can ruck probably 90 per cent of the game is important. He’s had a really good year.”

Despite having plenty of the play in the opening half-hour against Greenvale, Abers failed to register a major and trailed by 11 points at the first break.

But five unanswered goals in the second term changed the momentum as the visitors held the Jets at bay from there.

“That first quarter, we definitely had enough of the footy,” Potter said.

“Credit to Greenvale, their contested work was really solid and they were probably better with the footy than what we were.

“But we had enough of the footy to be more effective and after quarter-time we sort of shifted the focus in terms of how we wanted to move the ball and to the players’ credit, they carried that out.”

With Joel Madden, Stefan Rasinac and Zach Hislop set to be available for this weekend’s clash against Essendon Doutta Stars, there is plenty of upside.

Potter also said there was “really good talent coming through” the club’s reserves team.

Abers has stitched up a top-two berth and the vital double chance with five rounds remaining in the home-and-away campaign, with Keilor sitting pretty on top undefeated.

“You can’t afford to look too far ahead, but you can’t ignore the fact the playing group has done an excellent job in putting themselves in this position,” Potter said.

“There’s healthy competition for spots, and that’s important.”

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