EDFL: Airport West win a thriller against Tullamarine to stay unbeaten

Airport West’s incredible depth was on show against Tullamarine as it edged into premiership favouritism on the back of a gun defender’s new role.

Depth could be the telling story in this year’s EDFL Division 2 premiership race.

Airport West has it in spades, and then some.

Despite losing Lachie Di Sebastiano, Tom Aylett and Tyson Young ahead of the top of the table clash with Tullamarine, Eagles coach Trent Rogers knew he was bringing in a talented trio.

Ned Gentile, Patrik Balta (who is on Richmond’s VFL list) and Seth Robinson were the players called upon and they made a massive difference.

Airport West went onto win 18.15 (123) to 14.12 (96) in a thrilling contest at Hansen Reserve with a nine-goal to five opening half setting up the victory.

“We had full confidence in the 22 we selected to go out and get the job done,” Rogers said.

“When the opposition sees our best and fairest winner (Di Sebastiano) and a player who is averaging 35 disposals and two goals (Young) go out of the side, there’s every reason for them to think they’re a better chance. It’s how a lot of people think in footy.

The game produced a hard fought contest. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“But we knew we were in a good spot heading into the game. We had equal contributors across the ground and that’s why we’ve come away with the win.

“We’ve got so much depth this year.”

With some of Airport West’s bigger names missing, it was co-captain Ronald Hackney who stood up in a stunning display.

In his 150th game, Hackney was named the best player on the ground.

Rogers revealed he and his coaching staff changed the way the premiership player is normally used.

“We moved him up to halfback when he’s usually that guy on the last line about 30 to 40 metres out,” Rogers said.

“He is always great one-on-one and the weekend was no different. His ability to intercept mark really helped us to set up some counter attacks going the other way.

“Ron’s best asset is his communication because his elite in that area of the game.”

Shaun McKernan was again impressive in the ruck.Picture: Stuart Milligan

The second half of the contest was much more even with both sides kicking goals apiece.

Eagles’ star Anthony Aloi led all comers on the ground with four goals with Gentile adding three of his own.

Clayton Rogers, Ivan Pavlovic and Ben Nelson were also impressive for Airport West.

Anthony Liberatore and Matt O’Dwyer finished with three majors for Tullamarine with Shaun McKernan named the best player on the ground for the Demons.

“I thought it delivered in terms of a one against two match,” Rogers said.

“The deck dried out as the game went on and it made for a great contest. Some of the ball movement and physical contests around the ground were great to watch.

“I would have liked to see us kick on after halftime but to the boys credit they stayed composed when Tulla did challenge us.”

Airport West faces another huge test in the form of the 5-1 Roxburgh Park next week.

Tullamarine will look to bounce back against Craigieburn.