Watsonia dominates Thomastown to launch into NFL Division 2 finals contention

Watsonia is knocking on the door of the NFL Division 2 top-five, putting its rivals on notice with a dominant win over Thomastown.

Ben Callaghan in action for Watsonia. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Watsonia coach George Lattouf told his team “the time has come”.

And his players delivered a stirring 32-point upset win over Thomastown at Binnak Park to launch the Saints into NFL Division 2 finals contention.

The 12.15 (87) to 8.7 (55) win cements the club as this season’s giant-killer after knocking off Lower Plenty on the road in Round 1.

Lattouf lauded his team on a landmark day for the club.

“We planned for today really well at training during the week,” he said.

Watsonia coach George Lattouf talks to his players. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“Every year we play against them and they’re always on top but I said to the boys ‘the time has come’.

“We had a good win last week against Epping, we set it up and to my word the boys played like a team, the pressure was unbelievable.

“At half-time I said to the boys ‘they’re going to jump us’ and to their credit Thomastown did.

“I just said ‘boys, just a deep breath’ we went back to our structures and we didn’t give up, 100 per cent effort, I’m so bloody proud of them.”

Watsonia was dominant in the first half, taking a 39-point lead into half-time, before Thomastown sparked into action.

The Bears kept their hosts scoreless in the third quarter to narrow the margin to just 12 points at the final change.

It promised a thrilling finale but the Saints quickly stamped their authority on the game and an impressive five-goal final term to put any Bears comeback hopes to bed.

“(The conditions) suited us too, we love the pressure,” Lattouf said.

“Around the stoppages, tackling, we hunted in numbers and locked them down and just played our game.

“When we get control of the football we want to run and play to our strengths, nothing out of the ordinary.

“I say to the guys, we want to be known as a top side one day and it’s going to happen – these games show it.

Harry Sinclair was brilliant across half-back with a number of timely intercept marks to put Watsonia back on the attack.

Despite missing three games, Sinclair has been in Watsonia’s best in four of his five appearances, underlining his importance.

James Lucente booted three goals as the competition’s leading goalkicker Kyle Wheatley took on a different role with Jacob Pickett missing.

Wheatley’s one major takes him to 30 goals for the season, now second behind Eltham’s Daniel Owen on 31.

Corey Potter, Lachie Potter and Ben Callaghan also impressed in the win.

“Harry Sinclair was outstanding across half-back and young Corey Potter, my young ruckman, he rucked by himself all day,” Lattouf said.

“Young Kyle, he’s been playing really good footy and complements the other forwards as well.

“We had a couple out today, so he takes the next role and he plays for the team.”

DIV 1: TOWNSEND STEALS SHOW IN BUNDOORA THRILLER

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

DIV 1: WHITTLESEA SACKS PREMIERSHIP COACH

Aaron D’Angelo was Thomastown’s best in defeat, while Tyla Barrow, Daniel Caruso and Michael Tabacco also strong. Josh Beare booted two goals.

The win takes Watsonia to a 5-4 record and sixth place heading into the Queen’s Birthday break and puts Thomastown two games back in seventh.

The Saints return to action on June 18 against fifth-placed St Mary’s in a test of both club’s finals credentials.

Thomastown will hope to bounce back when it travels to Diamond Creek.