EDFL 2019: Lance Whitnall’s Craigieburn claims Division 1 flag

Craigieburn will contest Premier Division in 2020 after outclassing East Keilor in the EDFL Division 1 grand final, with its speed again proving decisive.

Craigieburn strikes a premiership pose after its grand final triumph. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Craigieburn’s stable of fleet-footed youngsters showcased their hard running and relentless pressure in Saturday’s EDFL Division 1 grand final, leaving coach Lance Whitnall bursting with pride and confident his team will not be fodder for the opposition in the top flight.

The Eagles swept aside minor premier East Keilor for the second time in three weeks at Windy Hill, triumphing by 37 points, with their speed again a decisive factor.

Craigieburn moves into celebration mode. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Big man Billy Morrison was a deserved winner of the David McWilliam Medal for best afield after a commanding performance in the ruck.

But the accolade could have easily gone to young gun Josh Vilinskis, who ran amok through the midfield racking up countless telling touches and bagged two majors, including the best goal of the game midway through the third term.

The ever-reliable Ben Fynch limited sharpshooter Dion Hill to one goal, while Coburg VFL-listed player Tye Browning also provided plenty of drive.

John Bellino contributed four goals and Corey Viani was also a consistent performer.

Craigieburn coach Lance Whitnall embraces Brock Chircop. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Eagles are chasing a Premier Division flag by 2022 and have re-signed their key players for next season, while Josh Young has decided to retire.

They have built a young squad which will grow together and Whitnall said his players were “pretty excited about where we’re going”.

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“That’s what we set out at the start of last year — it was our target to get some kids who could run and want to play a higher division,” Whitnall said.

“They showed today they definitely can play a higher division.”

Craigieburn co-captains Christian Mcerlain and Jamie Gorgievski and coach Lance Whitnall show off the silverware. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Whitnall revealed the club’s bold five-year plan last October ahead of his first season at the helm.

Five premiership players — Morrison, Young, Viani, Steven Boyall and Jesse Davies — landed at Craigieburn over summer, heightening expectations after last season’s preliminary final appearance.

Whitnall said his side was not ahead of schedule after its grand final victory given there is plenty of heavy lifting ahead, but it is clear the Eagles have adopted a successful model to rebuild after they were relegated from Premier Division in 2017.

Joshua Vilinskis celebrates his magnificent goal in the third term. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We’re not ahead of schedule,” he said.

“We’re right where we are and want to be. We’ve got to get there now and hopefully stay there — that’s the first target and we’ll build from there.

“We’ll enjoy the moment now and we’ll plan for Premier in a couple of weeks.”

Whitnall played 216 games for Carlton over 11 seasons at AFL level

He is a member of the club’s Hall of Fame, a former captain and John Nicholls Medal winner.

But he said leading Craigieburn to the ultimate prize sat comfortably alongside those achievements.

John Bellino celebrates one of his four goals. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“It’s pretty high,” Whitnall said.

“Winning a premiership, that’s what we all play footy for and coach footy for,

“It’s fantastic. It’s right up there.”

The Eagles failed to capitalise on their dominance early and led by 19 points at the main break.

But their hard labour paid dividends in the second half as they systematically broke the Cougars, killing the contest with a four-goal-to-one third term.

After losing to East Keilor twice during the home-and-away rounds, Craigieburn delivered its best when it mattered to prevail 13.17 (95) to 7.16 (58).

“The big ground was always going to suit our style of footy,” Whitnall said.

It was the Eagles’ third senior flag, following the success of 2005 and 2016.

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