EFL 2022: North Ringwood breakthrough sends Vermont to equal-longest losing streak

Vermont slumped to its equal-longest losing streak in its century-long history after North Ringwood upset the EFL Premier powerhouse on Saturday.

North Ringwood has broken through for its first victory this season with an almighty upset – and consigned Vermont to its equal-longest losing streak in its illustrious history.

The Saints marched home to down the Eagles by eight points in the 8.10 (58) to 6.14 (50) result, breathing life into the club’s bid to remain in the top tier next season.

It also marks just the third time in Vermont’s 102-year history the club has lost eight matches in a row, last happening from Round 16, 2010 to Round 6, 2011 and rounds 11 to 18, 1976.

North Ringwood senior playing-coach Robbie Nahas described the victory as a “relief” following 13 consecutive losses.

The Saints responded from a goalless opening term and 14-point deficit, cutting the lead to just two points at the half before overcoming the Eagles in the second half.

And they finished with a rush.

With the match on the line, Luke Patterson kicked a “fantastic individual goal in the last quarter” owing to high defensive pressure, while Jake Ireland edged his side ahead with a major inside a minute or so left, before Jason Sharpe slammed home the sealer from 45 metres out.

“It’s been a hard slog, 0-13,” Nahas said.

“We understand where Vermont are at at the moment, young kids and injury-riddled … but at the same time, we’ve had that all year.

“Young kids that finally today put together four quarters of consistent footy, that’s all I ask for each week.

“Throughout the year we’ve played well in patches but have had those lapses in games that have cost us each week – but we put together four quarters and we get the result.

“It’s just relief, to be fair … and it’s just great to have reward for effort.”

The Saints have been without several experienced players this season, including Aaron Fenton (overseas), Jack Whelan (injured) and ex-AFL ruckman Michael Apeness (retired).

Nahas pointed to his charges bucking a trend of being scored heavily against at stages in matches this year, as a key difference in Saturday’s result.

“We haven’t been able to score against the flow … and we were able to kick a couple against the flow that allowed us to stay in the game,” he said.

“In most games this year we haven’t been able to stop anyone – teams have kicked 10 goals in a quarter (and) we’ve won three quarters of the game and we’ve lost.

“That’s what you get with young side … I’m just so happy for the young guys. Hopefully it’s just a bit of belief for these guys that they can match it.”

North Ringwood senior coach Robbie Nahas. Picture: Davis Harrigan

The former AFL Tiger and ‘Roo heralded the breakthrough as a collective effort but praised his young group’s resilience in the absence of mature bodies.

“I don’t want to single anyone out … I thought everyone played their role for four quarters,” Nahas said.

“The difference between this year and last year is we lost our top six or seven players.

“What happens then is a lot more emphasis goes onto the young guys and what they need to bring … you lose that experience and the younger guys have to step up to play above their years, and that’s sort of what’s hurt us this year.”

The Saints, 12th, play Rowville, Doncaster, Noble Park and Berwick in the final month – and their last clash could be for survival in the top division, with one side set to be relegated at season’s end. They sit six points behind the Wickers.

As a coach Nahas remains steadfast in the development of his list.

“You’ve got to learn pretty quickly that it doesn’t help being negative, I’m learning and I’m a young coach,” he said.

“It’s difficult to be a player-coach at the same time … so you’ve got to be able to keep a level head for as long as possible and there’s been times where I haven’t.

“But overall, I think I’ve kept to the same philosophy, I don’t think I’ve changed too much in what I want from the guys.

“We’ve worked really hard on aspects of our game that’s going to improve us, I could easily play a style of football that can be extremely dour … but what development is that going to be for these kids?

“I’ve thought what’s best for these guys and the club … I’ve put together a game-plan that’s allowed them to express themselves and I think I’ve stuck with that.

“The 22 today won the game, but the footy club deserved that, we made sure we involved everyone in the win.”

Vermont hosts Park Orchards next weekend.