EDFL 2019: East Sunbury claims thrilling win over Hadfield

East Sunbury recruit Tom Godsell delivered a colossal performance to inspire last year’s runner-up to its first victory of the EDFL Division 2 season.

Tom Cree starred in East Sunbury’s victory. Picture: Josie Hayden

East Sunbury recruit Tom Godsell delivered a colossal performance to inspire last year’s runner-up to its first victory of the EDFL Division 2 season on Saturday.

After back-to-back losses to start the campaign, the Thunder won a thriller against an improving Hadfield by three points, 11.7 (73) to 10.10 (70).

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Ruckman Godsell, who crossed from Hepburn over the off-season, was best afield with his work in the middle of the ground proved crucial in the last quarter.

Star midfielder Tom Cree also had a profound influence when the game was on the line.

“Our on-ball guys had a really strong last quarter,” East Sunbury coach Glenn Hopkins said.

“Tom Godsell in the ruck just won every tap out. He had a great game and took 16 marks.

“He set it up for our guys around the contest.

“Our back six also did really well under a lot of pressure with Hadfield having the scoring end in the last quarter.”

The Thunder secured athletic big man Godsell after losing Jorden Braddy to Premier Division powerhouse Aberfeldie.

He has also had stints in the forward half, with Justin Waldron, who bagged three goals against Hadfield, the back-up ruck.

“Tom’s a good experienced player and he understands the game well, so he’s a leader, which is what we need,” Hopkins said.

“We’ve worked with him on his marking around the ground. He’s become more of a marking target for us and certainly his marking numbers have increased.

“Having a big, tall marker who can move is bloody important to us. He’s been an excellent recruit.”

Will Wright was also a key contributor in defence, while Callum Lever impressed across half-forward and in the backline.

Little separated the sides all afternoon at Martin Reserve and Hopkins was satisfied with his team’s showing.

After defeats to Coburg Districts and Sunbury Kangaroos to open 2019, East Sunbury young side remains a work in progress after last season’s six-point grand final loss.

“The competition has certainly improved,” Hopkins said.

“We needed to just get more of a team feeling. We’re working on the culture at our club to grow that team culture.

“That’s something we needed to keep driving home to our guys. That’s going to be the focus for us all the way through with the young guys we’ve got.”

The Thunder will next face winless Keilor Park.

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