EDFL: Aberfeldie claims minor premiership with win over Pascoe Vale
With the EDFL Premier Division minor premiership secured, Aberfeldie can now start planning its push for a premiership. Here’s how they’ll do it.
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Aberfeldie coach Adam Marcon knows only half the job is done.
In his first season in the senior role, Marcon and his players wrapped up the EDFL Premier Division’s minor premiership on Saturday after a hard fought 13.10 (88) to 12.8 (80) win over Pascoe Vale who they could again face in finals action.
Abers has lost just one game this season — to the Digby Morrell coached Panthers back in Round 7 by just a kick.
With top spot and a double chance confirmed, Marcon can start planning for his side’s push towards a premiership.
“It feels good (to win the minor premiership) and we did have a bit of a chat about it after the game yesterday,” he said.
“I’m pretty proud of the group because it’s been a very strong competition this year. I think the EDFL will be pretty pumped with the top four they’re going to get this year.
“Anyone is good enough to get going on their day and potentially win a premiership. Some quality footy is going to be played in the next few weeks.
“It’s going to be a pleasure to be part of it. We’ve still got some things to work on and we’ll focus on those in the next couple of weeks.”
In an ominous warning to fellow finalists — Keilor, Strathmore and the Panthers — reigning league medallist Nick Meese is starting to peak at the right time.
The former Williamstown VFL big man was best on ground at the weekend producing a dominant display.
“He’s a machine,” Marcon said when asked about Meese’s performance.
“He was able to get on top in the middle of the ground and the midfielders were able to take advantage of that dominance.
“Everyone knows how good he is, I’m just glad he’s on our side.”
Marcon also found himself among Abers’ better players while Zach Hislop, Max Simpson, Sam Cattapan and Tim Currie were also impressive.
One of the biggest challenges for Marcon and his coaching staff on the run home may be player availability.
Sam Paea returned to kick three goals this week after finding himself out of Werribee’s VFL side while defender Peter Faulks played just his fifth game of the season.
“There’s still a bit of uncertainty surrounding our VFL listed guys because that competition still has a couple of games to run,” Marcon said.
“We’ve been making four or five changes a week which has been challenging. But at the same time we’ve exposed a lot of guys to senior footy.
“We’re still trying to find that right balance. Hopefully Peter can get a bit more continuity in the next few weeks, he’s had some battles with his body this year.
“He brings a lot of experience to our defence and is a valuable player for us.”
Aberfeldie face games against Greenvale and Strathmore to close out the season.
Meanwhile, Pascoe Vale faces Avondale Heights and Keilor with the latter holding a game-and-a-half advantage in the race for a double chance.
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