EFL 2022: Jack Flannery bags eight as Ferntree Gully defeats Glen Waverley in Division 3

Saturday’s victory signalled significant growth for the Eagles according to the coach, as a key tall lit it up in attack.

A big bag of goals has boosted Ferntree Gully to a third consecutive win lifting it out of the relegation zone.

The Eagles defeated Glen Waverley – 13.20 (98) to 10.7 (67) – to move off the bottom of the Division 3 ladder on Saturday, and two points and percentage clear of the Hawks and Fairpark occupying the last two spots up for demotion at year’s end.

The result caps off three wins and a draw in Ferntree Gully’s past four starts after beginning the season 0-7.

And it was key tall Jack Flannery with a bag of eight for the Eagles – as they held off the fast-finishing Hawks who chipped away at a 35-point three-quarter time last-break deficit.

Ferntree Gully’s Jack Flannery kicked 8.4 on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ferntree Gully senior coach Brent Kiker said resisting the Hawks’ charge signalled significant growth in the group.

“Jack was fantastic with 8.4,” Kiker said.

“To their credit, they (Glen Waverley) came at us and drew level (midway) through the last quarter – they had a decent crack all day.

“I was really pleased that they had the run, but we were able to counteract and kick the last four of the game, and Jack kicked three of those maybe.

“In the first half of the year we probably didn’t have that confidence in the game plan or in each other that we could turn it around, so that was really pleasing to run out comfortably in the end.

“I think it just shows the maturity of the group now.”

The match marked the return of boom recruit Luke McComb, with the dual Vermont premiership midfielder returning for his first match since April due to a knee injury.

Luke McComb on the go for Vermont. Picture: Davis Harrigan

“He’s obviously a bit under done, but with his class and experience we played him as a forward pocket, he got through well but I think he kicked four points,” Kiker said.

“Just his presence down there was great, and I reckon he had probably four or five goal assists and he’s going to be better for it this week – it’s great to have him back.”

The coach also lauded the backline with the likes of Hayden Lovat, Sam Crocker and Jess Moore featuring among the best.

“Our ball movement out of there I was really happy with, our switch was really good and we moved it quick all day … the whole lot of them (the backline) were great,” Kiker said.

Adam Marchetti stood out for Glen Waverley with four goals while Hamish Heath booted two.

Ferntree Gully takes on Warrandyte away this weekend, following the Bloods’ one-point loss to Donvale on Saturday, while Glen Waverley meets Coldstream.