EDFL 2019: Strathmore’s young players help seal top-four berth

Strathmore’s young players stood tall on Saturday as the club toppled Greenvale in a virtual elimination final to seal a top-four berth, setting up a clash with Pascoe Vale in the first week of finals.

Sean Callander celebrates one of his three goals for Strathmore. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Strathmore’s youngsters were ice cool under pressure as the club secured an EDFL Premier Division finals berth with a nail-biting victory over Greenvale on Saturday.

While there is one round remaining in the home-and-away campaign, the clash was a virtual sudden-death final, with the Mores locking in an elimination final appointment with Pascoe Vale in a fortnight.

Sean Callander, who is 18 years old, nailed what proved to be the match-winning major with about five minutes remaining at Lebanon Reserve as Strathmore prevailed by six points, 10.12 (72) to 10.6 (66).

Luke Jarrad of Strathmore spoils Nick Maric of Greenvale. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Callander contributed three majors, while 17-year-old Daniel Mammoliti kicked two.

“It’s a good reflection of the young guys standing up and where the group’s at,” Mores coach Matthew Horne said.

“To be honest, it’s probably the best game we’ve been involved in this year.

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“It was a really hard contest and both teams were pretty fierce around the ball. There was plenty of feeling with what was on the line.

“There had to be a winner and a loser, and fortunately enough we were on the right side of it.”

There was plenty of feeling in Saturday’s clash. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Callander has been one of the club’s leading performers in recent weeks and was named best afield.

“He’s a great talent, a really good young kid and has got great size,” Horne said.

“He’s got really good footy nous and is going to be a good player for a long time.”

Adam Iacobbuci has been in superb form for Strathmore. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Gun midfielder Adam Iaccobucci continued his outstanding season, while big man Andrew Vavra also impressed.

Youngster Ben Holian restricted the impact of Greenvale skipper Addam Maric when he was in the middle, while Lucas Cavallaro limited Jacob Thompson to one major.

Horne rates Iaccobucci, who played four AFL games for Collingwood, as one of the leading players in Strathmore’s history.

“I’m obviously not super old, but I’ve watched plenty of footy at Strathmore, and if he’s not the best, he’s right up there with the best I’ve seen at the club,” he said.

“He’s super consistent, keeps himself in great condition, is a great role model and great player.

“We’re very happy to have him on our team.”

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