EFNL 2023: Berwick edges Vermont in final-quarter comeback as Jonte Andrew kicks matchwinner

The Wickers rallied in the wet to steal a memorable victory against Vermont in their season-opener on Saturday - with a goal at the death proving the difference.

BERWICK senior coach Clint Evans couldn’t believe the feat.

A last-gasp goal gifted the Wickers a five-point victory over Vermont on Saturday, rallying from 26 points down early in the final term to claim the 11.11 (77) to 10.12 (72) result.

Berwick’s Jonte Andrew produced the matchwinner, hacking a Charlie Muley palm-down out of mid-air from a boundary throw-in, 15 metres out with 30 seconds left.

“The gods were with us, I think,” Evans said.

“The ball came forward, and little Jonte’s just stuck his boot out and kicked it (out of) mid-air … the funny thing is it went straight through the middle.

“It was unbelievable.”

Charlie Muley in the ruck for Berwick. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Trailing by 19 points at three quarter-time, Evans said the visitors’ task was made tougher by the wet conditions, prompting the coaches’ box to throw “caution to the wind”.

Shifting Jai Neal from defence to attack proved a winning move, with the former Dandenong Stingray kicking two final-quarter goals in the revival.

“We got out of the blocks when it was dry … then the rain came and their bigger bodies hurt us in a way,” Evans said.

“In the second and third (quarters), they were just beating us around the stoppages and spread really well out of the contest and that’s where they were getting their goals from.

“We thought if we could go 50-50 and get the ball into open air, our runners would get onto the ball a bit quicker.”

Berwick players celebrate their victory. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Returning ruckman Jesse Cirulis starred in a best afield display for the Wickers while Muley and Nick Hillard each kicked two majors.

Meanwhile, former AFL ‘Roo Daniel Nielson kicked two goals on debut for Vermont to feature among his side’s best, while Campbell Barker and Cal Daraio also kicked a pair.

Cirulis missed most of last season through injury and Evans couldn’t speak higher of the big man’s return.

Cirulis (15) in his return match on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“We missed him all last year, he’s just a big brute,” Evans said.

“He’s the guy we can’t afford to lose and last year we got murdered around the contest.

“He was crook all week and didn’t train, and then yesterday he just willed himself and was great for us around the contests.”

Berwick’s Jayden Graham battles with Vermont’s Daniel Nielson. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Berwick finished last season in 11th spot of the Premier Division’s 12 teams, with a 4-13-1 record.

A string of players returned from injury in Saturday’s season-opener, and Evans is upbeat about his club’s season with a handful of key names yet to come back.

“They’re our recruits, and we’ve still got four of our genuine senior list guys out … Harry Money, our full forward, our centre half-back ‘Westy’ (Joe West), Tim Gunn who is probably our best forward and Jackson Drake who was a recruit from The Basin,” Evans said.

“To get a win first-up, down there, it’s pretty special.”

Vermont 1.4 6.6 9.10 10.12 (72)

Berwick 4.4 5.6 6.9 11.11 (77)

Vermont

Goal kickers:

C. Daraio, D. Nielson, C. Barker 2, L. Jenkins, L. Johns, F. Smith, A. Kalcovski

Best players:

C. Barker, Z. Hanlen, C. Daraio, D. Nielson, L. Jenkins, C. McCafferty

Berwick

Goal kickers:

J. Neal, C. Muley, N. Hillard 2, C. Lane, K. O’Sullivan, W. Wuol, A. Williamson, J. Andrew

Best players:

J. Cirulis, R. Bromley, T. Brennan, B. Homfray, W. Arthurson, J. Neal