EFL 2019: Upper Ferntree Gully moves into the Division 1 top five

Star midfielder Tom Meagher lifted Upper Ferntree Gully into the EFL Division 1 top five for the first time this year after deciding to turn out for his home club over VFL side Coburg.

Tom Meagher was listed as Upper Gully’s best player. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Who would have thought it?

Upper Ferntree Gully is in the top five.

The Kings started the season 1-6 but are now a game clear in fifth after an eight-point win over Bayswater on Saturday.

It was Upper Gully’s third win over a top four side in as many weeks, dislodging Park Orchards from fifth with one round remaining in the home-and-away season.

It’s the first time the Kings have been in the top five all year.

But given their form line, they could be a finals threat after wins of top-two sides Doncaster East and Croydon leading into the Round 17 EFL Division 1 fixture.

A win over relegation-bound Knox this weekend will guarantee Upper Gully an elimination final berth against Bayswater.

Tom Meagher’s decision to turn out for his home club instead of VFL side Coburg lifted the Kings to an 8.11 (59) to 7.9 (51) win.

Meagher was inspiring through the midfield and kicked three telling goals, including one in the final quarter to give the visitors a 13-point lead.

Rory Bailey celebrates a goal. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“He was enormous,” Upper Gully coach Joel Perry said.

“He put his hand up this week to not want to play at Coburg and come back and play with us because we were a chance to maybe sneak in (to finals).

“Credit to him for that for being selfless and maybe even giving up a VFL career to be honest. We’ll see how that pans out.”

Little separated the sides in the slosh at Bayswater Oval.

But a three-goal burst in the space of five minutes midway through the final quarter improved Upper Gully’s record to 8-9.

Ryan Einsporn dobbed a goal from 50m, Meagher nailed a difficult set shot from near the scoreboard and Ryan Phillips dribbled one home as the Kings grabbed a 20-point lead.

Meagher had earlier given Upper Gully a one-point lead with one of the last kicks of the first half when he roved the ball off the pack to kick a classy snap.

MORE EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEWS

LOCAL FOOTY COACH’S CANCER FIGHT

SHARKS BOSS SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION

LILYDALE STAR RECOVERING FROM CONCUSSION

NOBLE PARK YOUNG GUN UNDERGOES KIDNEY SURGERY

DONCASTER EAST DECLARES IT’S READY FOR PREMIER DIVISION

Perry was also unbending in defence, regularly saving the Kings on the last line.

He took countless marks and just as many rebound 50s.

Perry said his side thrived in the difficult conditions.

“I think the most pleasing thing is a few weeks ago against Mooroolbark in similar conditions we were really poor, but we were able to apply ourselves a lot better and were harder at the ball,” he said.

“That was really the key, particularly against a good Bayswater team, which likes these conditions.”

Perry said momentum was with the Kings.

Joel Perry clears the ball from defence. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Win and they’re in but a defeat would open the door for Park Orchards and East Ringwood.

“We said all along that we could sneak in, we’ve just got to make sure we win next week,” he said.

“These young guys just want to keep improving and keep playing good footy. Instead of having Mad Monday next week, they want to keep going.

“We knew they would get better the more senior footy they played and a heap of people said that as well.

“We’ve stuck at it all year. It was looking pretty bad there early on but we’re starting to get some reward.”

WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO

— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.

— Unprecedented AFL coverage.

— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.

— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.

— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.