EFL 2018: Mitch Brereton kicks four final-quarter goals to inspire Ringwood to an 18-point win over Boronia

MITCH Brereton proved to be the final-quarter hero for Ringwood against Boronia, booting four goals as the Redbacks finished the season with an undefeated record.

RINGWOOD completed its first undefeated home-and-away season in club history on Saturday after a gritty 18-point victory over fellow top three side Boronia.

The Hawks led at each of the first three changes but four final-quarter goals from Mitch Brereton inspired the Redbacks to a 9.10 (64) to 6.10 (46) victory, finishing the campaign with an 18-0 record.

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Ringwood coach Brett Rowe said Brereton proved to be the difference in the game, booting six goals to be theRedbacks’ only multiple goalkicker.

Ringwood sings the song after going through the season undefeated. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“He really lifted in that last quarter for us and really became that focal point and was really lively,” he said.

“No doubt he has won the game off his own boot.”

It appeared Boronia would spoil the Redbacks’ plans for an unblemished season when it kept the home side to just its third goalless quarter for the year while opening a 20-point lead at the first change.

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By three-quarter time the Hawks’ lead had been trimmed to seven points, but Ringwood was reduced to two fit men on the bench after midfielder Mitch Jackson (concussion) and captain Trent Farmer (broken arm) were injured in the third term.

But Boronia was kept to just one behind in the final term as Brereton proved to be the final-quarter hero.

Rowe said the Redbacks’ were motivated to complete their unblemished season.

Mitch Farmer in action for Ringwood. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“We spoke about it (undefeated record) before the game, some people had said to me we probably shouldn’t mention it but sometimes you’ve got to embrace these records and this is a massive record for a club that is 120 years old,” Rowe said.

“It got mentioned as well during that three-quarter time huddle so no doubt it was a driving factor.

“It was just a willingness to compete in that last quarter, I just asked them to find a way because they were obviously down a little bit once they heard the news on Trent.

“I think they just lifted a bit of Trent, to be honest, their pressure really lifted … everyone started performing really well together and they just all jelled.”