Outer East league: Why it’s critical for Gembrook Cockatoo to avoid relegation in Premier Division

Gembrook Cockatoo playing-coach Michael Firrito has likened his side’s clash with Emerald next weekend to a grand final in Outer East league.

Joel Firrito takes a kick for Gembrook Cockatoo. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Gembrook Cockatoo playing-coach Michael Firrito has likened his side’s clash with Emerald next weekend to a grand final as both sides strive to avoid relegation in Outer East league’s Premier Division.

After 14 rounds, 4-10 Gembrook Cockatoo has won one more game than Emerald (3-11).

OEFN has ruled one side will be relegated from Premier Division this season. Four rounds remain.

“Massive,” Firrito said of the Round 15 match-up at Emerald’s Chandler Reserve.

“It’s almost a grand final, but at the other end of the ladder.

“It’s always a big game against Emerald because we are fierce rivals being so close in proximity.

“It will be a big one. Looking forward to it.”

Gembrook Cockatoo scored a vital win over Mt Evelyn in the wet on Saturday, 8.11 (59) to 2.8 (20).

“We definitely needed it that’s for sure,” Firrito said.

“It was just a really good team effort, I know that’s boring. I reckon we didn’t carry anyone. All 22 were good.”

Michael Firrito.

Vice-captain Josh Tilly was named best afield after kicking successive goals — one an absolute beauty — in the third quarter to help the Brookers make their winning move in what was a good old fashioned winter’s day arm wrestle.

Fellow vice-captain Daniel Welsh was also among the best in his first game in two months after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Patrick Snoxell, Konner Allcott, Ryan Hillard and Aaron Firrito also impressed.

Firrito said while the season “hasn’t planned out how we would have liked”, it was critical Gembrook Cockatoo stayed up in Premier Division.

“We think we’ve got a pretty bright future with our kids…we don’t want to be the ones going down,’’ he said.

“It’s a pretty young group. Hopefully we can create an environment where they all want to stick around and that’s why staying in Premier Division is really important for us.

“We’ve got some really good kids, so we’re fortunate.”

Firrito said the Brookers would have a light week on the training track after playing in heavy conditions on Saturday.

“It will be a light week,’’ he said.

“Obviously Emerald had the weekend off because of the split round so they’ll come in fresh as daisies and we’ve had a pretty tough, heavy slog sort of thing so it will be pretty light this week.’’

In the other two games played on Saturday:

*Andrew Bartils capped a best-on-ground performance with three goals as Upwey Tecoma beat Berwick Springs, 15.21 (111) to 4.1 (25). Jackson Waters kicked four goals, while Sam Raru, Ben Matthews, Jack Murray and Glenn Costas were outstanding.

*Monbulk climbed to sixth spot with a vital win over Olinda Ferny Creek, 13.9 (87) to 1.7 (13). Lochlan Beecroft, Campbell Evans, Robert Savory, Joshua Spencer, Ziggy Hatherley and Lachlan Smith were sensational for the winners.