Ex-AFL star kicks the matchwinner as Doveton Eagles grab premiership

AT 38 years of age an ex-AFL star bobs up with the matchwinner of the Doveton Eagles-Endeavour Hills Southern league Division 3 grand final.

Doveton Eagles celebrate their Division 3 premiership.

EVEN though their own consensus was that they had “pinched it”, Doveton Eagles’ magnificent premiership victory over Endeavour Hills at Cheltenham on Saturday was no less real or deserved.

“I’m still pinching myself, I can’t believe that we actually pinched it,” Eagles coach Simon Caldwell after he had watched 38-year-old former Melbourne star Russell Robertson snap the winning goal only minutes before the final siren to give his team the Southern league Division 3 flag.

Robertson had endured a quiet day by his high standards but his snap around the body inflicted the most telling blow of the season.

“Our experience and possibly the inexperience of our opponents were contributing factors in the end,” Caldwell said.

In a game of constantly swinging fortunes, the Eagles took out the grand final by just four points, 13.10 (88) to 13.6 (84).

History beckoned Endeavour Hills as it chased its first senior pennant.

And after the reserves had saluted in the curtain-raiser, the Falcons were away to a promising start to lead by nine points at the first break.

Then it was the Eagles’ turn to impress as they slammed home six goals to go in at halftime 22 points up.

Adam Read was continuing his rousing form for Doveton, and Cam Carmody was going hard and well in the ruck.

Then came another shift. The Falcons swooped with six unanswered goals to grab a 14-point lead before a late goal by the Eagles reduced the leeway to eight points at the final break.

Russell Robertson celebrates Doveton Eagles’ premiership.

Again the Falcons extended the margin, to 20 points, at the 10-minute mark of the final term and it seemed they were on course for victory.

But yet again, the tide turned as the Eagles swarmed forward. A Read goal was followed by more in quick succession and the Falcons’ dream was stolen with only minutes remaining and a last, desperate attack proved fruitless.

“They were always going to keep coming,” a disappointed Hills coach Robert Dipper said of Doveton Eagles.

“There were no defining moments that changed the game, no poor decisions, it was just a cracker of a game.

“I am very proud of the players, I can’t fault them. This is a good achievement in terms of the club’s development.”

Eagles coach Caldwell felt humbled by the outcome.

“We probably didn’t even deserve to be in the finals on our mixed form this season,” he admitted.

“But although we haven’t been the best side all season, we were determined to be the best side of the last four weeks.”

Skipper Corrie Wilson led from the front for the Eagles, while Mick Callanan was rewarded for his stellar effort with the Meneilly Medal for best-afield.

Enayte Samadi and David Lever also shone for the winners, while for the Falcons, Nick Gay was superb.

Nathan Crutchley rucked tirelessly, with Byron Hoe and Jason Bruce also impressive. Another to catch the eye was Ben Swift down back for the Falcons.

And the man who kicked the winning goal in the grand final could well be at the helm for the Eagles next season.

“I’m not going anywhere, I’ll be at the club next year, whether as a player or in a coaching capacity,” Robertson said after the game.

Premiership coach Caldwell said he had told the club he would not be taking up his second-year option.

“I am hoping I can talk Robbo into taking over the role,” he told Leader.