‘Massive’ result boosts Belgrave’s finals hopes in OEFN Division 1

Belgrave took inspiration from an AFL result as it took another big scalp to edge closer to a finals berth in Outer East’s Division 1.

Belgrave, 6-6, will get its chance to grab a final-five spot. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Belgrave summoned its inner Gold Coast Suns to knock off ladder leaders Pakenham in OEFN Division 1 on Saturday.

Just hours after the Suns scored a statement win over Collingwood in the AFL, Belgrave coach Darren Hamilton told his side it had “a real opportunity” to do the same.

“We’re Gold Coast, we’re up and coming,” Hamilton said.

“And Pakenham have only lost one game all year. There’s a real opportunity here for us.”

Belgrave’s players believed, cracked in and executed the plan.

Chris Campbell kicked his seventh goal with a minute to go to clinch a gripping two-point win, 13.15 (93) to 14.7 (91).

Belgrave kicked five goals in both the first and third quarters, and then fought determinedly as Pakenham snatched back the lead in the last term.

“We weathered the storm,” Hamilton said.

“We kicked 1.5 in the last quarter, and it was Chrissy Campbell’s goal from about 50 out that won us the game.’’

Belgrave coach Darren Hamilton. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Hamilton declared the win “massive’’ for his Magpies as they chase a second straight finals berth (they are currently in sixth spot).

But he was quick to point out Pakenham was without key men Tanner Stanton and Luke Ryan.

“Last time we played them those two combined had 76 possessions between them and eight goals,’’ he said.

“We kept them to 290 odd touches, that’s the first time all year I think they’ve been under 300 possessions for a game.

“We play our ground quite well, it’s a congested ground whereas they like to get out in space and run, our ground doesn’t allow them to do that.’’

While Campbell was outstanding, Patrick Beggs, Lachlan King, Corey Fritze, Anthony Johnston and Liam Pemberton also had a big say in Belgrave’s sixth win of the season.

Belgrave will get a chance to grab a final-five spot, with games against Yea (away), Powelltown (home), Yarra Junction (away) and Alexandra (home) to come.

Hamilton said his side had the ability to contend.

“We’re well and truly alive...so long as we don’t get ahead of ourselves,’’ he said.

“We know where we are at, we have to be playing at our absolute best to be a serious contender.’’

For Pakenham, Bailey Stiles continued his superb season, while Rhys Clacy impressed and reserves playing-coach Matthew Vaiano kicked six goals in his first senior game for the season.

In other games, Warburton Millgrove edged Seville in a thriller, 17.9 (111) to 16.8 (104). The Burras won by a point when the siren sounded but Bailey Humphrey slotted a goal after the bell to extend the margin. Earlier, Seville’s Ryan Farrow loomed as the matchwinner, kicking four goals, including a brilliant snap to reduce Warby’s lead to a point with moments to go. For the winners, who move to top spot, Tom Barr, Dylan Walker, Jack Lee, Lachlan Hewitt and Nelson Aldridge were among the best.

Yarra Glen consolidated fifth spot with a 46-point win over Yarra Junction, Blake Binion, Kurt Raymond and Austin Smith best for the River Pigs.

Alexandra was razor-sharp as it thrashed Powelltown 24.11 (155) to 6.3 (39). William Stewart slotted six goals for the Rebels who counted Lachlan Nankervis as their best player.