EDFL scores: Airport West showcases depth in win over West Coburg

The EDFL Division 1 contender showcased its depth in a thrilling win over West Coburg, but the success came at a cost with a star set for stint on the sidelines.

Airport West’s Alex Penaluna bagged three in his side’s win. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Airport West overcame a fast-finishing West Coburg to secure a nail-biting one-point victory in a memorable Essendon District Football League Division 1 clash on Saturday.

The battle between the finals contenders lived up to expectations, with the Eagles holding on for their sixth win of 2021 despite conceding four goals to one in the final term.

The success came at a cost, however, with former VFL player and headline recruit Muhammad Saad sustaining a dislocated shoulder in the opening quarter of the 15.10 (100) to 13.21 (99) triumph.

Airport West coach Trent Rogers said Saad was set to spend about six weeks on the sidelines.

But the first-year coach was thrilled with his side’s performance against a rival contender, which left it in fourth position at 6-3 at the halfway mark.

Airport West coach Trent Rogers. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“If you look at the first three quarters, we were far more superior as a side,” Rogers said.

“Even though the scoring shots at that time were pretty even, we always looked in control, even when they came back in the third and actually got in front by two points. We then responded with the next four to finish off the third quarter.

“From halfway through the last, when we were still 20 points up, I felt as a playing group we went into too much of an approach of holding on to save the game, which gave them the momentum.

“Luckily for us, we were able to fight it out and get through by the smallest of margins.

“But if there’s anything to learn, I think no matter what, we’ve got to keep playing our game style.

“But in saying that, to put in a three-and-half-quarter performance like we did just shows what we can do when we’re playing our best footy.”

Rogers said the fact the Burgers registered nine more scoring shots was not a reflection of the contest, pointing to their dominance for a small period of the third term and in time on of the last stanza.

He said the Eagles’ pressure played a role in the inaccuracy and estimated the home team “led for about 90 seconds of the whole game”.

While Saad went down early in the contest, Airport West was also without co-captains Jesse McVeigh and Steve Rizzo, No.1 ruckman Patrik Balta and key forward Anthony Aloi.

Defender Ivan Pavlovic also returned through the reserves having not taken the field since Round 1.

“The boys who came in and filled those roles, it shows how well they’re going as well,” Rogers said.

“It’s a great sign for our depth.”

Rogers heaped praise on Brandon Raad, who took on West Coburg big men Daniel Archer and Kyle Ring.

“We were so happy with him. He virtually played four full quarters in the ruck,” he said.

“He had a lot of hitouts to advantage, took a few great contested marks around the ground.”

Lachlan Di Sebastiano earned best-afield honours after an eye-catching display in defence, while Clayton Rogers restricted ex-AFL player Lynden Dunn to one major.

Vince Rizzo completed some valuable grunt work in the middle of the ground, while Daniel Sinnott and Ben Ward also impressed.

Justin Cappelletti booted four goals and Alex Penaluna three.

The Burgers were well-served by Archer, Luke Baniowski and Ibrahim Taha.

Airport West will face Rupertswood in Round 10, while West Coburg will tackle Tullamarine.