EDFL: West Coburg secure finals berth after defeating Rupertswood

West Coburg’s season remains alive with the Burgers having a lightning delay to thank for being the momentum shifter it needed. Here’s what happened.

We knew the final round of the Essendon District League Division 1 season would be dramatic.

No one could have predicted it would reach the same levels it did on Saturday.

West Coburg will play finals footy after overcoming Rupertswood 8.19 (67) to 9.10 (64) in what was basically an elimination final for both sides.

But if it wasn’t for a break weather, the Burgers may not have been playing next weekend.

Play was stopped for 21 minutes in the third quarter due to lightning when Rupertswood led by 34 points — a margin which had the Sharks in the top four on percentage.

But the break in playing was a blessing in disguise for the home side as they regathered to turn the game on its head and run out three point winners kicking the game’s last four goals.

The game was among a handful of others to be completed across the competition.

West Coburg coach Dale May was still stunned on Sunday morning.

“Nine minutes was the difference between our season being finished or continuing,” he said.

“If we had of reached 30 minutes without play, the game would have been called off and Rupertswood would have won. We were doing the maths behind closed doors, the boys didn’t know, but Rupertswood were slightly ahead on percentage when play was stopped.

Jordan Gloury of West Coburg.Photo: Hamish Blair

“It was bloody hectic, I’ve never seen anything like it. When you Lynden Dunn telling you it was the best win he has been part of it’s special.

“The break actually came at the right time because they had kicked three or four goals in a row and were right on top.

“After the lightning, hail and torrential rain it was just great to come away with the win.”

Lynden Dunn returned from injury for West Coburg. Photo: Hamish Blair

Dunn’s return from a broken jaw came at the perfect time for the Burgers who left their place in the top four up for grabs following a shock loss to Hillside a week earlier.

He booted three goals and was his side’s best player according to May.

Dominic Spagnolo, Patrick Mccallum, Luke Baniowski, Mohammed Abou-Eid and Tom Drake were also impressive for the home side.

“He (Dunn) was huge yesterday, he just straightens us up,” May said.

“We’ve missed him in the past few weeks but it’s good to see him back out there. (Daniel) Archer will probably come back in next week too.

“He played in the reserves and kicked the first three goals of the game. It’s going to be a tough week at selection.”

West Coburg will now face Westmeadows in an elimination final at Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn next weekend.

Rupertswood finishes the season fifth on the ladder one game outside the top four.