EFNL 2021: Magpies stage late fightback to topple Blues

A desperate act on the last line of defence helped Donvale snatch a late victory in an Eastern league Division 3 classic on Saturday.

Donvale toppled the Waverley Blues in a thriller on Saturday. Picture: Donvale FC

A final quarter revival has seen Donvale edge Division 3 premiership fancy the Waverley Blues in a thrilling comeback on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies had the better of the Blues in the first half, leading by 16 points at the main break, before the 2019 runner-up rallied in the third to pinch the lead by a goal at the final change. With the lead out to 18 points midway through the last term, a Magpies victory to open the season looked unlikely.

But a desperate act on the last line of defence led the charge for Donvale’s toppling of the Blues in the 9.13 (67) to 8. 16 (64) result, capped off by the match-winner to Jarred Crabtree with a minute left.

Donvale coach Kevin Collins described the last-gasp win as “unbelievable”.

Saturday’s match was Kevin Collins’ first official hit-out back as coach. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“Talk about a spirit-lifter – there was a smother by Scott Heveren – it was a certain, guaranteed goal – he smothered the ball and it went from one end to the other and all of a sudden we were nine points down. Then with a minute to go we got the third goal via Jarred Crabtree,” Collins said.

“It was just an intense, hard-fought game and the pressure was unbelievable for both teams.

“We had a really good hit-out for the first half and then we didn’t capitalise in the third quarter – we went inside forward 50 14 times and kicked one goal.

“At the 18-minute mark (of the last quarter) we were struggling – we were down on rotations and the boys just found a way.”

Collins praised the work of tough on-baller Brandon Kapakoulakis and 2017 premiership star James Rausa in the victory, alongside Crabtree’s performance up forward with three majors and key tall Zac Haig with two.

Matt Perry finished with five goals for the Waverley Blues, with co-captains Ben Turner and Daniel Playsted named among their best.

It was Collins’ first official hit-out as coach since the dual Magpie premiership mentor’s return to the role late in 2019.

“It was just one of those classic games of footy,” he said.

“You’ve got to find a way to do it, and we found a way … it came down to spirit. It’s one of those games that you might have once every 10 years.”