EDFL 2019: Airport West scores crushing win over Avondale Heights

Airport West has endured a tough return to the top flight since last year’s Division 1 flag, but the Eagles had reason to smile after powering to an 82-point win on Saturday.

Chris Lawton kicked three goals in Airport West’s win. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Airport West secured its first victory since September on Saturday.

The club has endured a tough return to the top flight since last year’s Division 1 grand final triumph but responded to seven consecutive defeats with a rousing win over Avondale Heights.

The Eagles’ 82-point triumph, 22.10 (142) to 8.12 (60), also adds intrigue to the race to avoid relegation from Premier Division.

With the home-and-away season not yet at the halfway mark, Airport West is only half a game behind Glenroy and one win astern of the Heights.

It appears likely one of those three clubs will contest Division 1 in 2020, with Essendon Doutta Stars and Maribyrnong Park each recording three victories this year and seemingly safe from the drop.

Relief was the overwhelming emotion for Airport West after five defeats of more than seven goals in 2019.

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Coach Geoff Maddern, while elated, said he knew “full well there’s a lot of the season ahead”.

“We’re just looking for those little improvements and we saw a bit of that,” the premiership mentor said.

“Certainly the margin was unexpected.

“The game opened up a bit for us in the second half and the boys played with a little bit more freedom and probably used the ball a bit better.

“At the same time, we were far better defensively. It was probably our best two quarters for the year.”

The Eagles were relentless in the second half after establishing a 20-point advantage at the main break, piling on 11 goals to one to complete a percentage-boosting win.

They had stars all over the ground, headlined by Anthony Aloi, George Nabbout and Tyson Young.

Recruit Damandeep Aujla continued his impressive season with a four-goal haul, while Calder Cannon Ned Gentile and Chris Lawton contributed three each.

“We’re just tweaking the game plan a little bit,” Maddern said.

“(Saturday) was the best demonstration of that. Our pressure was a lot better than it had been, we got back behind the ball a lot better and then our transition was markedly improved.

“I think people were more prepared to play their roles, which was important for us.”

Airport West will next face Pascoe Vale at Raeburn Reserve on Saturday.

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