EFL 2022: South Belgrave ends Ringwood’s unbeaten run

A final-quarter surge saw South Belgrave power to the top of the EFL Division 2 ladder on Saturday as a key big man lit it up in attack.

South Belgrave has charged to the top of the ladder after ending Ringwood’s unbeaten run in Division 2 on Saturday.

The Saints powered away from the Redbacks in the final term to win 15.11 (101) to 11.9 (75) at Jubilee Park, as key big man Damian Garner finished with five goals.

The ex-Frankston and Rowville name stood up in the absence of brother Taylor, who missed through a niggle after booting eight the previous week.

It may have been just his second match this season, but former Hawk Damian has certainly impressed South Belgrave senior coach Luke Galliott after joining the club ahead of 2021.

“I reckon it’s as well as I’ve seen Damian train since he’s been at the club, and it’s resonated with his performance,” Galliott said.

“He was determined to have an impact on the weekend.

“They (Ringwood) were probably double and triple-teaming Tim (Smith) and I guess that allowed us to use the ball a bit better and direct it through Damian a bit more.

“He kicked some important goals from some really tough positions on the ground.”

South Belgrave’s Elliot Triegaardt flies for a grab on Saturday. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Little separated the Saints and Redbacks for three quarters, before the hosts hit the front early in the final term.

Galliott credited his charges’ ability to dig deep in the last, piling on eight goals to Ringwood’s four.

“We weren’t sure how we’d respond, we had a handful of guys playing under duress through illness,” Galliott said.

“Something clicked, we sort of started getting clearances and with the help of Mitch (Garner) in the ruck we got on top, and we used the ball a bit better.”

Mitch Garner in action on Saturday. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Young on-baller Charlie Peters featured in the best for the fifth time this season from seven appearances.

“He was really important to us around the footy … he cracks in all day,” Galliott said.

“He’s a really determined sort of kid and he’s come and worked on his body shape.

“Anything we’ve asked him to do, he puts his head down and just does it. He’s so coachable.”

Tim Smith and Sam Brown kicked three goals apiece for the Saints while Josh Meerkotter and Jack Blyth finished with two each for Ringwood. Tough midfielder Danny Atwell finished best afield for the Redbacks.

The Redbacks slide to second on the Division 2 ladder after Saturday. Picture: Stuart Milligan

South Belgrave boasts a 6-1 record with a leading percentage of 174.3.

It’s a victory that should drive plenty of confidence, the coach says.

“It’s a really pleasing result to go and win at Ringwood – they beat us twice last year so it’s a really good reference point for us to get the job done over there and give us plenty of confidence.”