EDFL: Avondale Heights score crucial win over Maribyrnong Park
Avondale Heights is off the bottom of the ladder after scoring its first win of the season against Maribyrnong Park as a VFL defender impressed.
Essendon
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Avondale Heights coach Paddy Byrne put it back on his players to get the job done against Maribyrnong Park.
At three-quarter-time, they led by three points and the thought of a first win in 2022 was front of mind.
But Heights had been in this position before and previously it had all came undone.
On Saturday, it all came together in the last 30 minutes as Byrne’s men held on for a thrilling 13.6 (84) to 11.11 (77) win at Canning Reserve.
It marked an important moment in Heights’ bid to avoid relegation to Division 1 as the win lifted them off the foot of the ladder.
Avondale Heights has not been in the second tier since 2004, when it won the premiership.
Glenroy’s inferior percentage has it rooted to the bottom and facing the prospect of the wooden spoon.
The two sides will face off on July 30.
Byrne said the win would give his side “plenty of confidence” for the remainder of the season.
“Throughout the year we’ve been strong in games and just haven’t been able to finish off our hard work,” he said.
“In general play I think our footy has been pretty good but then we undo it with turnovers. It’s an area we were able to correct on the weekend.
“At three-quarter-time I said to the boys it was on them to get what they needed out of the game and they were able to deliver.
“I’m really happy for them and it was good to see them enjoying their footy.”
Significant injuries have hampered Avondale Heights throughout the season while they’ve also had players in and out of the side due to VFL commitments.
Hamish Murphy, who is on North Melbourne’s VFL list, played just his fifth game in Heights’ colours for the season on Saturday producing a best on ground display.
Cam McLeod, Donnacadh Cleary, Ruairi Cleary and Will Shem were also among those to impress for the home side.
“Hamish came to us when he was about 18 and has grown a lot since then,” Byrne said.
“It’s fantastic to see him earn VFL opportunities and you can just see what it’s done for his confidence. He showed a lot of poise behind the footy especially during the last quarter.
“He won a lot of critical one-on-one contests against some really impressive Marby forwards.”
Daniel Pantalleresco and Jackson Robb both found themselves among the goals with three apiece.
“Daniel actually prefers playing off halfback,” Byrne said.
“It was great to see him have an impact forward of the footy.”
Heights will next face a huge test against ladder leader Aberfeldie before turning its attention to a home game against Essendon Doutta Stars which could have big implications on the relegation battle.
“We’re going to have a crack in every game no matter the opposition but it’s important we try and win the games against the teams around us,” Byrne said.
Tom Wyatt finished with four goals in a best on ground display for Maribyrnong Park.
Nicholas Prowse and Harry McLeod also battled hard for the visitors.
Maribyrnong Park will next face Keilor with both side’s aiming to get back on the winner’s list.
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