EDFL: Airport West advance into grand final after big win over Tullamarine

Despite cruising through to the EDFL grand final on the back of an 89-point win, Airport West learnt a “massive” lesson about finals footy according to its coach.

There are good lessons and then there are bad ones.

Airport West is lucky enough to have had a positive learning experience which may shape how its season finishes.

The Eagles are through to the Essendon District Football League Division 1 grand final thanks to a 21.14 (140) to 7.9 (51) win over Tullamarine in the second semi-final.

But the scoreboard doesn’t tell the full story of what drove Airport West into a commanding position.

Midway through the second quarter the game could have gone either way but a late run of Eagles goals gave then a 22-point lead at the main break and from there they didn’t look back.

Airport West coach Trent Rogers said a mentality shift from the playing group set up the win.

“Early on we got a little bit too excited,” he said.

“We were playing on at times when we shouldn’t of and were running ourselves into trouble. To Tulla’s credit they brought a high pressure game early and we got caught up in it.

“Their first quarter was sensational. We told the boys at quarter-time they had to go back to basics which they did. We came in at halftime knowing that we had played some good footy.

Jesse McVeigh of Airport West tackled by Kirk Lang of Tullamarine.Photo: Hamish Blair

“It was a dominant quarter in the second. But that first quarter was a massive learning curve for us.

“You say we’ve got a lot of experience in our side but a lot of guys were playing in their first senior final so they needed time to settle down.”

Small forward Ned Gentile lit up Windy Hill in a best on ground display with six goals to take his season tally to 70.

Throughout the season, Gentile has shown plenty of matchwinning ability.

Patrik Balta returned to the senior side after being rested in Round 18 and was named among the Eagles’ better players.

“Pat probably would have been all good to go in the last game but we thought we’d give him the extra week,” Rogers said.

“When you can bring in a player of his quality it’s always going to make you a stronger team. We’re really happy with the performance. But we know there’s still things we can work on.”

Anthony Aloi of Airport West.Photo: Hamish Blair

Muhammad Saad was also dangerous forward of centre for the Eagles finishing with three goals of his own while Clayton Rogers, Ivan Pavlovic and Brendan Godden also impressed.

For Tullamarine, Anthony Prestia was brave in a losing effort with three goals while Phil Smith was named best afield.

Despite the 89-point margin, Rogers said his side won’t be getting too far ahead of themselves.

“We’ll be sure we try and control that emotion of playing in a grand final,” he said.

“There were similar questions asked after the last time we played but going into Sunday that game didn’t matter anymore. And our previous scores against whoever we play in two weeks time won’t matter either.

“Scores start at zero again and we have to go out there and give it a red hot crack. We’ll go have a look at the prelim and be ready for either side to be at their best.”

Tullamarine and West Coburg will do battle in the preliminary final on Sunday at Highgate Reserve from 2.15pm.