EFNL 2023: Mitcham topples Wantirna South in final-quarter rush

Depleted and behind in wet conditions, Mitcham willed its way to a memorable victory in the Eastern league’s Division 1 on Saturday. Here’s how.

A depleted Mitcham stormed home with a final-quarter rush to topple Wantirna South in the Eastern league’s Division 1 on Saturday.

The Tigers’ 16.13 (109) to 13.14 (92) victory in wet conditions came courtesy of a seven-goal blast to finish the match, overcoming a 17-point deficit early in the final term.

With reigning best and fairest Alex Barton-Smith succumbing to a shoulder injury in the first 10 minutes of the match and forward Byron Wright limping off after a quarter and a half, Mitcham senior coach Neil Winterton highlighted his side’s fitness and perseverance in the comeback win.

Trailing by 16 points at the main break and five at three quarter-time, the result also marked the first time in Winterton’s eight years at the helm the club had won at Wantirna South’s Walker Reserve.

Mitcham players celebrate a goal on Saturday. Picture: Mitcham FC

“We were a bit of the walking wounded,” Winterton said of Saturday’s match.

“The boys have put in a really big pre-season … we did a lot of running which they didn’t really enjoy at the time, but I think it’s starting to (pay off) early on in the season.

“It was just perseverance and in such trying conditions ... it was never going to be pretty footy (and) it was just a matter of never giving up and willing our way to victory at the end.”

Mitcham’s Thomas Lucas took the best afield honours with three goals, used in both attacking and defensive roles, while Jackson Hallo also booted three.

“He (Lucas) played some senior footy for us a couple of years ago, and then last year just wasn’t able to break into the senior team … but he put in a really big pre-season,” Winterton said.

“He’s certainly earned his way into the team and he was brilliant (on Saturday) – he got to the right spots and took his chances and played a bit of a defensive role for us in that second half … he was a really big contributor for us.”

Meanwhile, reigning Division 1 comp best and fairest Lincoln Wong starred as best afield for the hosts with four majors.

Mitcham takes on Montrose this weekend in what Winterton declared as a “huge game”, following the Demons’ 20-point loss to South Belgrave on Saturday.

“They’re obviously one of the teams that I’m expecting to be right up there – it’s going to be a really good challenge for us and they’re going to be pretty fired up to bounce back.”

Wantirna South 3.4 9.5 9.14 13.14 (92)

Mitcham 5.5 6.7 9.9 16.13 (109)

Wantirna South

Goal kickers:

L. Wong 4, B. Kainey, M. Jordan 2, L. Hewett, K. Barlow, R. Fandrich, J. Smith, N. Beames

Best players:

L. Wong, D. Lang, B. Kainey, P. Wallis, L. Grima, D. Cromb

Mitcham

Goal kickers:

T. Lucas, J. Hallo 3, B. Cowman, S. Carney 2, T. Lovell, D. Howell, G. Laughlin, J. Uren, J. Smyth, B. Wright

Best players:

T. Lucas, J. Hallo, T. Lovell, J. Glossop, Z. Elms, S. Carney