EDFL 2019: Aberfeldie defeats Strathmore in thrilling preliminary final

Emerging forward Athan Tsialtas was almost the hero for Strathmore in a remarkable EDFL preliminary final on Sunday, before Aberfeldie’s Jayden Foster had the final say.

Aberfeldie’s Josh Pound looks to pounce on the loose ball at Windy Hill. Picture: James Ross

Powerhouse Aberfeldie has qualified for a seventh consecutive EDFL Premier Division grand final after surviving an extraordinary rally from a never-say-die Strathmore in a remarkable contest on Sunday.

Abers held a 20-point advantage at three-quarter-time of the preliminary final and appeared in control at Windy Hill.

But big man Andrew Vavra and Sam O’Loughlin nailed the opening two goals of the final term for the Mores, setting the stage for a grandstand finish.

Aberfeldie’s Stefan Rasinac looks to find some space. Picture: James Ross

Emerging forward Athan Tsialtas was almost the hero, bagging three majors in a remarkable three-minute burst to give his team a nine-point lead early in time on.

But Jayden Foster had the final say at the other end, kicking the final two goals of the match to seal Aberfeldie’s nail-biting three-point triumph, 11.9 (75) to 10.12 (72).

Abers will face minor premier Keilor in the grand final for the third time in the past four seasons.

Co-coach Adam Potter conceded his team got out of jail but said a berth in the decider was a just reward for the perennial contender after a 16-2 regular season.

Strathmore’s Luke Jarrad tackles Aberfeldie’s Jean-Luc Velissaris. Picture: James Ross

“I’m relieved and happy for the players because at the end of the day, no doubt we probably stole that one in the end,” Potter said.

“But if you look at our home-and-away season, it’s the second-best record we’ve had in my five years.

“We worked so hard during the year, playing 37 players, and the combination of youth and experience. I’m just really pleased for our players that they get another opportunity to do something really special.”

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Potter heaped praise on Tsialtas, who finished with five goals for the losing side in the absence of key marking target Josh Helliwell.

Tsialtas played just seven senior games for Strathmore last season, but looks a player to watch after an enthralling contest with Abers star Ryan Allan.

“That’s the sort of game that can shape a young player like that. I thought he was outstanding,” Potter said.

“Ryan Allan’s a remarkable player, and I still rated Ryan’s game at a high level, but they found a way and that’s the most pleasing thing.”

Daniel Thompson grabs a mark for Aberfeldie. Picture: James Ross

Jayden Foster’s four-goal haul was decisive for the winners, while Jess Rush and Victor Carboni also provided plenty of drive.

Aberfeldie’s Jorden Braddy and Strathmore’s Andrew Vavra also had a great duel in the ruck.

After an even first half, Abers established what looked to be a significant advantage after piling on five goals to one in a 15-minute period of dominance to close out the third quarter.

No one was expecting Tsialtas’ heroics, however, as he fell painfully short of giving Strathmore a famous victory.

Potter heaped praise on the Mores, who have lost two preliminary finals in a row by a combined margin of five points.

“Full credit to Strathmore. I want to pay them due respect,” he said.

“I think Matthew Horne has done an outstanding job since they lost that game to Glenroy in Round 12. The way he’s galvanised that group with a mixture of youth and experience — similar to us — they’ve had a fantastic year.”

Abers have dropped three games to Keilor this season, but held the lead for most of the major semi-final before falling to a 14-point defeat.

“We did a lot right,” Potter said.

“We won the clearances, we won the inside 50 battle. For us, it’s just about recovering now.”

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