Outer East FN: Mt Evelyn’s Daimon Kift kicks after-the-siren winner…again

There were dramatic scenes at Mt Evelyn as the Rovers snatched victory with an after-the-siren goal, as history repeated itself. WATCH VIDEO.

Do you believe in lightning striking twice?

History repeating?

Mt Evelyn captain Daimon Kift does.

For the second season in a row, Kift has kicked a goal after the siren to sink Monbulk in Outer East’s Premier Division.

Captain Clutch steered through a shot from about 15m out, on a slight angle, as the Rovers snatched victory, 10.8 (68) to 8.25 (63), at Mt Evelyn Reserve on Saturday.

Kift did the same thing in Round 15 last season — from almost the identical spot on the same ground — to give the Rovers a 71-66 victory.

“It was pretty remarkable actually,” Mt Evelyn coach Connor O’Sullivan said.

“There’s no such thing as a gimme under that pressure.

“But if there’s one person you’d want having the shot it would be Kifty.”

Kift was mobbed by elated teammates and supporters, and his hands were sore from all the high-fiving in the rooms afterwards.

Daimon Kift was best-on-ground for the Rovers. Picture: Andrew Batsch

He finished with five goals — all after half-time — in a best-on-ground performance.

The crucial win improved Mt Evelyn’s record to 3-4, keeping the Rovers in touch with the top five.

When calmness was restored, O’Sullivan said his side was fortunate to pocket the points.

“We’ve been playing pretty good footy for the last four weeks,’’ he said.

“I really rate Monbulk, I think they’re a quality outfit. They are really well coached, they’re tough, you know what you’re getting. So any time you can beat them you know you’ve earned your win.

“It was probably fortunate that we got the four points in the end but it was a well deserved reward for a lot of effort the boys have been putting in.’’

While Kift grabbed the headlines, Mt Evelyn had a raft of influential players, including Jason Want, who’s having a terrific season since joining the Rovers from South Croydon, midfielder Lucas O’Neill and Liam Bowden and Riley Baxter.

Matt and Will Gordon were excellent in the ruck all game.

For Monbulk, Joshua Spencer, Campbell Evans and Lochlan Beecroft were best.

TIGERS SNATCH VICTORY

A run-down tackle by Joel Smith helped Woori Yallock secure a gripping one-point win over Olinda Ferny Creek, 9.8 (62) to 8.13 (61). Smith’s tackle prevented a certain goal by Olinda and allowed the Tigers to turn defence into attack, with Kody Busoli kicking a point to ultimately give the Tigers victory. Woori spearhead Taylor Gibson kicked six goals and was sensational again, while Ryley Monkhorst was great in the middle and Mitchell Arnold influential. Olinda Ferny Creeks’ best included Matthew Scharenberg, Percy Hyett and Lachlan Taylor.

BLOODS AND ROOS DRAW

Healesville’s Charlie Warren slotted the last two goals as his side drew with Officer, 60-apiece. Nick Mende and Jeremy Newsome were best for the Bloods, while for Officer Mark Seedsman, Sam Hoghton and Kyle Hagger did well.

A DOZEN FOR EX-AFL MAN

Aaron Mullett is rushing towards a century of goals after firing off 12 in Wandin’s thumping win over Gembrook Cockatoo. The ex-AFL Roo and Blue kicked the first three goals of the game and had seven by half-time as Wandin put the whip to the Brookers, winning 22.14 (146) to 7.6 (48). Mullett is up to 63 goals in seven games this season, including two bags of 12 and a haul of 10. Wandin is undefeated.

UPWEY ALL THE WAY

Jai Sheehan, Shaun Gamley and Ned Park Jenkinson had a big say in Upwey Tecoma’s win over Emerald, 13.10 (88) to 9.12 (66). Spencer Richards-West kicked three goals and Jack McKay and Carmine Porcaro two apiece for the winners.

Ladder: Wandin 32, Woori Yallock 24, Olinda Ferny Creek 24, Healesville 18, Monbulk 16, Upwey Tecoma 14, Mt Evelyn 14, Emerald 8, Officer 6, Gembrook Cockatoo 4.