EFL 2019: Mitcham moves back to the top of the Division 2 ladder

Mitcham coach Neil Winterton says the Tigers’ 37-point win over Templestowe in the top-of-the-table EFL Division 2 clash was a statement to the competition.

Mitcham coach Neil Winterton. Picture: James Ross/AAP

Mitcham coach Neil Winterton didn’t need reminding of the stat.

The Tigers sat second on the table but had only beaten one top four team this year — and that was against Ringwood back in Round 2.

But Mitcham made a statement to its EFL Division 2 rivals on Saturday with a 37-point win over Templestowe in the top-of-the-table clash at Templestowe Reserve.

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Winterton rated the 11.11 (77) to 6.4 (40) win as his side’s best this year.

“I said to the boys before the game, I think there was probably a perception about us that maybe our ladder position was a bit flattering because we’d lost twice to Boronia and Templestowe beat us the first time,” Winterton said.

“We were pretty keen to make a statement and let the rest of the comp know that it’s no accident we’re in the position we are and we can mix it with the big boys.

“To be able to come out against Templestowe on their home deck … I just thought our intent was really good and that was the most pleasing thing.”

Winterton said he highlighted to his group that his side had a 1-4 record against the top four sides.

“We did speak about that and I think that’s why we were really keen to get the result,” he said.

“The boys’ intensity around the footy was good and I think that just highlighted how keen we were to make a statement.

“There’s no doubt, you look at the ladder and we’d had one win against a top four team way back in Round 2 when Ringwood probably weren’t going as well as they are now.

“I think we needed to get one under our belt, probably just for the boys’ confidence as well to be honest and that should go a long way to helping us get back to the way we want to play.”

Jarrod West in action for Mitcham. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Scores were level at quarter-time before Mitcham kicked away in the second term.

The Tigers led by 26 points at the long break and kept Templestowe to just 10 scoring opportunities for the game to move back to the top of the ladder.

Winterton highlighted his side’s intensity as a key reason behind the performance.

“Our tackling pressure was really good and it allowed us to get our running game going a bit,” he said.

“I think our ball movement and quickness around the ground is our biggest asset but we obviously can’t get that going if we don’t win the footy.”

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