Outer East league: Aiden Gajanovic slots after-the-siren goal to spark Emerald’s season

It was the kick that ignited Emerald’s season. With 1000 fans holding their breath, the right man had the ball in his hands for the Bombers in an epic finish in OEFN Premier Division.

Aiden Gajanovic is mobbed by Emerald teammates after kicking the winning goal, while Ewan Wadsworth (No.4) appears to cop an accidental smack in the mouth in the mayhem.

It was the kick that ignited Emerald’s season.

And for Aiden Gajanovic, it was a moment he’ll long remember.

Gajanovic — described by Emerald coach Dave Johnson as “the best kick in the team” — slotted a set-shot goal from 50m after the siren to give the Bombers a two-point win over Gembrook Cockatoo, 10.10 (70) to 10.8 (68), at Chandler Reserve on Saturday.

“Oh, mate, it was unreal,” Johnson declared.

“It was in front of the rooms, there would have been about 1000 people watching it.”

In an epic finish, Gembrook Cockatoo hit the front with 40 seconds to go when Brad Frater snapped a goal.

The Bombers made one last forward thrust when Gajanovic was taken high and paid a free kick — and the siren sounded.

He went back and from the paint drilled it home.

Gajanovic was mobbed by ecstatic teammates as Emerald opened its 2025 winning account.

When he emerged, he was awarded the Anzac Medal as the best player on the ground.

Johnson kicked four goals in his first win as a senior coach. “It’s good to get the monkey off my back,’’ he said.

“To get a win after a couple of average results, very happy.’’

Aiden Gajanovic kicks from 50m.

David Johnson.

Wil Gazzard, Harvey Siwes, Luke Spaulding and Oscar Dempsey were also named in Emerald’s best.

Siwes did a good job on Brookers’ ex-AFL player Marley Williams.

Dempsey came up from the reserves and impressed.

“The young boys played really well, just an all round effort from the boys,” Johnson said.

Johnson said Emerald can push for finals this season.

“I absolutely think we can and I think that win yesterday was certainly what the doctor ordered,’’ he said.

“That will give the boys a bit more belief that we can match it with any team in the competition.

“I said to the boys, ‘we’ve just got to be the best of the rest’. You’ve got the Wandins and the Wooris and the Healesvilles at the moment but I think if we can push to be the best of the rest and play finals you never know what could happen when it comes to finals.”

Last Friday on Anzac Day, Olinda Ferny Creek remained unbeaten when ex-AFL Magpie Matthew Scharenberg kicked a late goal as the Bloods edged Upwey Tecoma 6.8 (44) to 5.7 (37). Percy Hyett, Blair Wilson and Patrick Rosier were also influential for the 3-0 Bloods.

In other Saturday games, former league man Aaron Mullett fired off 10 goals as Wandin thrashed Monbulk by 104 points, 23.9 (147) to 6.7 (43). Macauley Beckwith, Cayden Black, Joel Garner, Chayce Black and Patty Bruzzese were also in the Bulldogs’ best.

SANFL recruit Hugo Munn kicked three goals in undefeated Healesville’s 46 point win over Mt Evelyn, 12.15 (87) to 5.11 (41). Nick Mende, Anthony Biddiscombe and Callum Bradley also impressed.

Angus Smith and Ryley Monkhorst were instrumental in Woori Yallock’s win over Officer, 18.12 (120) to 7.8 (50).