Macleod back in NFL Division 1 finals frame after upsetting West Preston-Lakeside
A Patrick Martin late-show gave Macleod a heart-stopping win over West Preston-Lakeside and revived the Kangaroos’ finals dreams.
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It might be the point that changes the course of Macleod’s season.
Patrick Martin’s last-gasp behind not only secured a stunning come-from-behind one-point victory over West Preston-Lakeside on Saturday, it launched the Kangaroos back into the NFL Division 1 finals race.
Martin was the hero at DeWinton Park as he kicked a clutch goal to draw the match in the final minute before a behind with just seconds left in the game to win the match.
Trailing by 11 points at three-quarter-time, the home team booted three goals to one to win 12.12 (84) to 12.11 (83) and keep their finals dream alive.
Roosters ruckman Matt Harman put his side six points up late in the fourth quarter but Macleod responded immediately, winning the centre clearance.
Martin side-stepped one defender and then, tackled as he kicked, slotted a miraculous goal from a difficult angle to send the crowd into raptures.
Another Kangaroos centre clearance and a quick kick forward landed on Martin’s chest and while he missed the siren sounded as West Preston kicked in.
The result brings Macleod within two points of fifth-placed Greensborough and a game behind West Preston-Lakeside in fourth with two games remaining.
The Kangaroos tackle Heidelberg at Heidelberg on Saturday before what could be a finals-deciding finale against the Borough at DeWinton Park in Round 18.
Macleod coach Craig Hayes said it was another positive step forward for his team and believed anything was possible.
“There’s always going to be hiccups in your first year, defensively I still don’t think we’ve got it right but offensively the last couple of weeks it’s starting to click in,” he said.
“Heidelberg at Heidelberg is a huge challenge but we’ll continue to focus on a gameplan that we think carries us forward.
“Then Greensborough is just a big opportunity, mathematically we’re still in with a shot – we’re still in there.
“If we’re lucky enough to jag another win then someone has got to jump over us.”
Hayes named Kurt Manuel as the standout player in the win after a strong performance in midfield and two goals.
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Jack Bianchin continues to impress in his role off half-back, while Anthony Docherty was the main danger in attack and finished with four goals.
Aiden Tilley booted four goals for West Preston-Lakeside, which was best served by Aaron Tsarouhas, Felix Dreher, Tilley and Michael Ercolano.
In the final fortnight of the home-and-away season, the Roosters face Hurstbridge and Montmorency, while Greensborough tackles Whittlesea before Macleod.
North Heidelberg’s nail-biting four-point win over Whittlesea also has the Bulldogs in the finals frame with games against Montmorency and Bundoora to come.
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