EDFL scores: Hadfield’s devastating third term sinks Burnside Heights

With the EDFL Division 2 fixture in the balance at half-time, Hadfield lifted to blow Burnside Heights away in the third term as its ruckman starred.

Big man Keegan Shrimpton was a dominant presence for Hadfield. Picture: Hamish Blair

Hadfield’s new-look line-up delivered its best performance of the Essendon District Football League Division 2 season and consequently issued a warning to its rivals on Saturday.

The Hawks, who were craving a scalp after a mixed start to the campaign, toppled 2019 preliminary finalist Burnside Heights by 43 points at home to confirm their status as one of the competition’s big improvers.

The result lifted Hadfield to third spot on the ladder ahead of an encounter with pacesetter Moonee Valley this weekend.

Jesse Inzillo pushes the ball forward for Hadfield. Picture: Hamish Blair

“We built it up to be a big game,” coach Brett Pitts said.

“We’ve had a bit of an indifferent start to the year, a little bit of bad luck in terms of some key injuries and not quite executing how we wanted to in game.

“It’s been a little bit frustrating, but to get the win … the first half was a bit of an arm-wrestle and then the penny just dropped in that third quarter and everything came together. We got the rewards, which was great.”

After holding a two-point advantage at the main break, the Hawks annihilated the Bears with a devastating eight-goal burst in the third term.

The margin was 44 points at the final change before both teams managed two last-quarter goals, Hadfield prevailing 14.12 (96) to 7.11 (53).

“Our work-rate off the footy improved. I think we laid 23 tackles for the (third) quarter, which was the most we’ve done in a quarter all year,” Pitts said.

“That just flowed into the confidence with ball in hand and our connection forward of centre got better.

“We executed and finished off … that makes a big difference as well.”

Daniel Gianchino hunts the footy for the Hawks. Picture: Hamish Blair

After previously knocking off bottom-three teams East Sunbury and Jacana, Pitts was thrilled with his players’ ability to kill the contest against the Bears in the third stanza.

“That third quarter in particular was definitely the best footy we’ve played this year,” he said.

“We’ve still got a few to come back, which is a positive … but we’ve got a squad of about 30 guys and anyone can come in and play senior footy and contribute, and that’s coming to the fore at the moment.”

Ruckman Keegan Shrimpton continued his red-hot form for the winners, working tirelessly to give his team an edge.

Shrimpton was limited to three senior appearances for Oak Park two years ago, but is having a major impact for his new club.

Hadfield coach Brett Pitts. Picture: Hamish Blair

“It’s a massive asset to have a guy of his size and stature around the stoppages,” Pitts said.

“It’s not just his ruck work, it’s what he does around the ground as well with his big body and clearing paths for our midfielders.”

Heath McKerchar and Zac Polizzi shone in the midfield, while Andrew Trende starred in defence.

Mark Sabatino booted four goals to take his season tally to 35, while Connor Ahern contributed three.

The Hawks will host undefeated Moonee Valley, which will be coming off a bye, at Martin Reserve in Round 8.

“We obviously respect Moonee Valley and know that they’re the benchmark at the moment,” Pitts said.

“But if we bring what we brought on Saturday and at our ground as well, we know it’s a hard place to play footy, we’ll take it up to them and we think we can win.”