EFL 2019: Mooroolbark and Wantirna South play out a draw in the Eastern Football League

Mooroolbark came within inches of its first win of the year but had to shake hands on a draw in the Division 1 clash against Wantirna South.

Aaron Mullett was again in Mooroolbark’s best players. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mooroolbark came within inches of its first win of the year on Saturday but had to shake hands on a draw in the Division 1 clash against Wantirna South.

Ruckman Paul Thatcher had a shot from 50m out at Walker Reserve after the siren, only for his kick to cannon into the post.

The behind levelled scores at 12.8 (80) apiece, giving Mooroolbark its first premiership points of the season after a winless start to the campaign.

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“The reserves players – we’d had a good win – we were all behind the goals at the far end … he absolutely flushed it and it was home the whole way,” Mooroolbark president Scott Dimitriou said.

“We were going nuts and the last probably five metres it curved right to left and hit the goalpost halfway up. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Paul Thatcher almost proved to be the hero for Mooroolbark. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Mooroolbark kicked nine goals from its 10 scoring shots in the first half to establish a 20-point advantage at halftime.

Wantirna South responded with six goals to two in the third term before a dour final term when both sides kicked just one major.

Aaron Mullett again starred with six goals, while Polkinghorne and Jordan Roth were both important contributors.

Dimitriou said the Mustangs were “the better team for three-and-a-half quarters”.

He hoped the encouraging performance would provide an injection of confidence for the side.

“Hopefully the players proved to themselves that we’re not a zip and four side. I know the ladder says that but we played some really good footy and we have throughout the year,” he said.

“We lack stopping the opposition when they get on a run, teams kick multiple goals against us.

“It’s taken some time. The young kids are really coming along but unfortunately just can’t get that win.”

Mooroolbark is the only Division 1 yet to secure a win this year, but Dimitriou said the club had not considered the prospect of fighting off relegation.

“There is 13 rounds to go so it hasn’t really crossed anyone’s mind,” he said.

“There are a number of sides on 1-4 as well and I’m sure once we get that first win, things will tick over.”

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