EFL 2018: Doncaster finishes strongly to defeat Noble Park despite absence of midfield star

THE much-hyped battle of two of the Eastern Football League’s great midfielders did not eventuate, but Doncaster was still happy after finishing strongly to beat Noble Park.

THERE was much excitement around Schramms Reserve in the lead up to the Round 16 fixture against Noble Park.

Doncaster fans were keen to witness Eastern Football League champions Kyle Martin and Chris Annakis go head-to-head in a midfield battle.

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Annakis could go back-to-back in the Chandler Medal this year and Noble Park coach Mick Fogarty has labelled Martin the best player he had seen in local football.

But the match-up was not to eventuate after Annakis was a late withdrawal due to a corkie.

It allowed Martin to roam but for a rare occasion, he was not named in the Bulls’ best players as the Sharks midfield group of Jessie Finnen, Jimmy Saville and David Molloy helped apply the clamps.

Despite keeping Martin to his usual lofty standards, top-three side Doncaster led by just three points at halftime as Noble Park threatened a boilover.

Doncaster’s James Siakavelis in possession. Picture: Stuart Milligan.

“We had some honest words at halftime … the boys responded well, we knew if we let them in the game by halftime that they would be one of the sides that would be around and they’re a good side, they’ve got some really good kids,” Doncaster coach Andrew Tranquilli said.

“Our aim was to try and deflate them as much as we could early, unfortunately we weren’t able to do it and not that they dictated or they played a lot better, it just looked like (we played) tentative, cautious footy for the first half.

“The last quarter we pretty much got the ball on our terms and we had a last quarter that we are known for.”

Doncaster kicked four goals to two in the final term to come away with a 10.12 (72) to 9.7 (61) win.

Piva Wright threatened to be the matchwinner for Noble Park with five goals before the Sharks finished full of running to score their 12th victory of the Division 1 season.

Doncaster also handed a debut to Isaac Barassi (a distant relative of AFL legend Ronald), finishing with two goals.

“We thought it was an opportunity to give a kid a go, he’s been in OK form — I wouldn’t say super form but OK form — to warrant a game,” Tranquilli said.

“The kid was only meant to be playing under-19s this year but we weren’t able to field an under-19s side so he put his hand up to play in our reserves and it’s a good story he’s now tasted senior footy and he’ll be the future of the club.”

The Sharks will welcome back Annakis and veteran defender Ben Marganis (back) before finals, while recruit Tom Bartholomew, Rob Colaneri and Chris Tout are returning through the reserves after injury lay offs.