MPFNL Division 1: Dromana edges Mt Eliza in top-of-the-table contest

Dromana’s “proud group’’ got revenge, but Mt Eliza gained valuable knowledge. Both coaches reveal key takeaways from the top-of-the-ladder clash.

Clayton Gay celebrates a goal for Dromana on Saturday.

It was a Redlegs loss, but Mt Eliza coach Rikki Johnston walked away with growing belief.

He felt his side “left a bit out on the table’’ as it went down to ladder leaders Dromana, 9.14 (68) to 8.7 (55) at Emil Madsen Reserve on Saturday.

“I’m proud of the effort,’’ Johnston said.

“I think we probably left a bit out on the table that we’d like to change next time around but overall we put forward our best and they’re obviously the benchmark.’’

Former Richmond livewire Jake Aarts slotted a goal on the run in the last quarter as Dromana finished hard after trailing by 10 points at halftime.

The Tigers kicked six goals to three in the second half, with Aarts finishing with four goals and Billy Geurts, Billy Quigley, Nick Collier and Dean Waugh among the best. Clayton Gay and Ethan Johnstone kicked two goals apiece.

Dromana, 10-1, is on track to defend its premiership.

Rikki Johnston at the Mt Eliza huddle.

Sam Geurts. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

But Johnston believes Mt Eliza will be a worthy challenger when the whips are cracking in September.

“I think we proved earlier on in the year that we can beat them,’’ he said.

“And even yesterday we had an opportunity to go five goals up, missed that and they go down the other end. They’re always going to come, they’re a strong, good, running, fit side, they’re always going to come late.

“For some of our younger boys it was probably more about seizing the opportunity. We had some big moments late that we probably missed, but no excuses. That’s what good sides do, they rise to the challenge when it’s there.

“We’re confident that we can match it with them and it’s about doing it on the big stage at the right time.

“All credit to them yesterday but lots of positives for us to take away.”

Dromana celebrates another win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dromana coach Ben Holmes was rapt his side played “four quarters of pressure footy”.

“It’s probably the first time all year,” he said.

“I was pretty proud of the side, we didn’t stop. Mt Eliza’s first quarter, their surge pressure was probably the best we’ve had all year, that’s the most pressure our boys have faced.”

Holmes said his side was a “proud group”, determined to make amends after losing to Mr Eliza in Round 2.

“They wanted to beat them because you don’t want to be going into a finals series winning every game and losing two to the same side so it was pretty important to get one back on them,” he said.

“But it was more that I think everyone was more proud just to stick to the system and know if we play footy to our system it holds up.’’

Dromana ball magnet Sam Geurts played his first game of the season and got through unscathed.

Mt Eliza faces Langwarrin this weekend, while Dromana hosts Pines.