Moonee Valley secure important win in the race to avoid relegation

Moonee Valley secured a vital win in the race to avoid relegation overcoming a challenge coach Ian Denny had never faced before. Meanwhile, the captain produced one of the year’s most inspirational games.

Moonee Valley players celebrate their win.

The lead-up to Moonee Valley’s win on Saturday was unlike anything coach Ian Denny had seen in his career.

Making nine changes to his side, the Fog welcomed back several experienced heads for a crunch clash against Rupertswood.

The 8.14 (62) to 7.11 (53) win helped lift Moonee Valley out of the EDFL division one relegation zone on percentage.

“I think it was the most number of changes I’ve ever had as a coach,” Denny said.

“We got some more senior experience back into the side and I think it helped us. Rupo really took it up to us.

“We made some silly mistakes, silly decisions which kept them in the game but we managed to come away with the four points which is huge for us.

“We’re fighting for survival, we want to stay in this division and when’re you’re in our position you can surrender when you’ve been on the wrong end of results but the boys really dug deep.”

Cheered on by the 2014 reserves and under-18 premiership reunions, Moonee Valley kicked three goals to two in the final term to ensure the most critical of wins.

Skipper Bevan Newell produced one of the most inspirational performances of the season in a best on ground display.

Last week he hurt his leg in the first quarter against Maribyrnong Park but pushed through and again he played through the pain.

“He was enormous,” Denny said.

“He got through training during the week and wanted to play. He rucked all day and willed himself through absolutely everything.

“We were at our lowest against Maribyrnong Park, you just look at the scoreboard, and he kept pushing. We had to earn this win.”

Denny’s men will face another “eight-point game” against Craigieburn next weekend where a win would mean a big step towards safety.

“We’ll approach the game in the same way,” Denny said.

“They’ll (Craigieburn) be right in for the fight, they’ve had their own troubles in the last few weeks.

“It’s a big game for both teams.”