Hurstbridge claims thrilling win over Greensborough, star recruit the match-winner

Hurstbridge’s boom recruit Sunny Brazier delivered when it mattered most, kicking the match-winning goal to knock off Greensborough.

Cooper Barbera in action for Hurstbridge. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Hurstbridge’s boom recruit Sunny Brazier repaid the club with four points on Saturday.

With just 40 seconds left on the clock the VFL-listed star stepped up to kick the match-winner as the Bridges knocked off NFL Division 1 powerhouse Greensborough by five points.

Hurstbridge coach Jarrod Tilley thought his team had wasted its opportunity to knock off the Borough with several missed shots on goal in the thrilling final term at Ben Frilay Oval.

But Brazier kicked truly to secure the club’s first win of the season, 14.14 (98) to 13.15 (93).

“It was a test of the heart, it was that type of game, it was back and forth all day,” Tilley said.

Hurstbridge’s Ethan Taylor on the run. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We had all the momentum in the last quarter, we got a point in front and then kicked four behinds in a row.

“We had our chance to put them away, we didn’t, and the ball went down the other end and they got a goal to put them in front with two minutes to go.

“We knew we’d get one more opportunity and that came with 40 seconds to go and it put us in front.”

Hurstbridge had trailed at every change and were 10 points down at three-quarter-time.

The home team slammed on three quick goals to snatch the lead for the first time but inaccuracy cost it what could have been a more comfortable win.

After a Round 1 defeat to Heidelberg, the Bridges were determined not to let another opportunity slip away.

“Even though the scoreboard blew out in the end (against Heidelberg) we weren’t that bad and we just had to tidy up a few things,” Tilley said.

“We were pretty keen to get into Greensborough, we knew we could be competitive and we got a lot more things right on Saturday.

“The last five minutes of the third quarter we felt like we were back on top.

“We backed the boys in and told them to keep playing the way they were, we kept the momentum we had, they were great the boys in the end.”

Only Heidelberg remains undefeated this season with eight teams now 1-1 after the opening fortnight.

Brazier and Cooper Perrin kicked three goals apiece in the win, while Tyson Old, captain Lachie East and Michael Florance were dominant.

Old is now full-time after being let go by VFL club Coburg last year, while Florance crossed from Diamond Creek over summer to provide a bigger body in the ruck.

“We could have raffled the best-on,” Tilley said.

“That’s key to us at the moment, we don’t have to rely on one or two players, we’ve got an even spread, which makes life easier.

“Tys (Old) was sensational and big Flo (Florance) gives a huge contest for us – his work after the ruck contest – he plays like another onballer.

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“To his credit, he had (back) surgery pre-Christmas so he’s been working up to it and the more footy he plays the better he’ll be for us.”

Hurstbridge now has a two-week break before a standalone Anzac Day clash at Whittlesea, the Eagles coming off an upset win over West Preston-Lakeside.

New skipper Jack Johnston was Greensborough’s best in defeat, while Ben Pannam, Matthew Hayes (three goals) and Angus Seivers also impressed.

There’s no rest for the Borough this week as they take on Macleod on Good Friday before a week off the following week.