MPNFL 2021: Edi-Asp beats Pines in gritty win

The Eagles’ first win of the MPNFL season came just hours before they partied for their 100-year gala ball.

Edi-Asp coach Ben Walker (right) celebrates with player Trent Robertson (No.9) moments after the siren on Saturday.

Edithvale-Aspendale coach Ben Walker was not relaxing until the final siren.

Not even the offer of a congratulatory handshake from club president Peter O’Connor could take his focus off the game — even with his Eagles leading Pines by 20 points in the dying stages.

“I don’t like to crow early,” Walker laughed on Sunday morning.

It had been a long wait for Walker and the Eagles.

Five losses to start the 2021 season had tested all at Edi-Asp.

But on Saturday, the determined Eagles clawed their way to the front against Pines and refused to let this one slip.

Trent Robertson slotted a goal after the three quarter-time siren to give Edi-Asp a five-point lead.

The Eagles then went up a gear in the last term, aided by the breeze, with vital goals from Sam Monaghan and Blake Ross to kick away and win 12.8 (80) to 9.5 (59).

“It was definitely relief to get that first one up,” Walker, who celebrated his first win as Eagles coach, said.

Eagles captain Steve Mannix racked up the touches. Picture: Chris Eastman

Walker said he couldn’t be more prouder of his side after a rugged start to the season.

“We had a very tough draw — Bonbeach, Frankston Bombers and Sorrento as our first three and Frankston YC as our fourth,” he said.

“I thought we were always going to be up against it a little bit.

“I think those first couple of games probably hurt the confidence a little bit.

“We started to play some good footy against Frankston YC. And obviously last week we played some really good footy but couldn’t get the job done.

“Look, I don’t think we played great footy yesterday but we did enough to get the win.”

Edi-Asp key player Nick Carlon was outstanding in the win, along with skipper Steve Mannix, who racked up touches abut more importantly did the “one-percenters’’ that are so crucial.

Charlie Martello and Michael Bussey were also important while Walker praised young defender Jarrod Amor who made several crucial tackles at important stages.

Pines coach Paddy Swayn shakes hands with Edi-Asp coach Ben Walker.

Walker said the Eagles’ confidence was high after a lively effort against Mt Eliza last week which included an eight-goal burst in the second quarter.

“We’ve been decimated by injuries early on,” he said.

“Yesterday was probably the first time for the year, including the practice matches, that we didn’t have a huge list on the board of unavailable players.

“I think we are missing two or three at the moment from the list.

“So, touch wood, if we can keep everyone fit now I think that will help us.

“Our goal was always to build on our kids and give them the time. Every time they play a game their experience is going through the roof.

“That’s always been our focus. I’ve been really proud of them, I think they’ve come along in leaps and bounds.

“I think there are exciting things to come for us, we’ve just got to make sure our group sticks together.”