Glen Eira causes stunning 225-point turnaround against Parkdale Vultures

In round 1, Glen Eira lost to the Parkdale Vultures by 173 points, this time it won by 52. Coach Jon Edgar gives his thoughts on the “massive turnaround” and why 2025 could be exciting for his club.

Glen Eira has enjoyed plenty of lessons this season. Photo: VAFA Media.

Glen Eira coach Jon Edgar woke up on Saturday morning feeling an upset on the cards.

Some might have thought he was mad given his side were smashed by 173 points the last time they played Parkdale Vultures.

In the end, Edgar’s feeling was right as the Gryphons stunned their VAFA Premier C finals bound opponent by 52 points.

“It was a massive turnaround, we’ve had a pretty hard year with injuries, it was nice to see the boys produce their best footy,” he said.

“Our pressure was the best it has been all year. Since I’ve been at the club we’ve gone from D3 to Premier C. It has taken us 16 weeks to realise where our pressure has needed to be.

“In the other grades, you can probably afford to make mistakes sometimes but in this competition, the good sides will punish you. Parkdale looked like they could get away from us a couple of times but we’d just kick a goal when we needed to.”

Glen Eira produced a 225-point turnaround. Image: Cath Coady/VAFA Media.

At three-quarter-time, the Gryphons led by 10 points and knew they had the opportunity to cause one of the upsets of the season.

In front of the 1984 and 1994 premiership reunions, the current stars of the club delivered one of their best quarters of the year kicking 7.8 to 1.2.

“There was a big crowd and the boys just smelt they could do something impressive,” Edgar said.

“We felt they were a little quiet walking into their huddles at the break, it was something I thought we could take advantage. The last quarter was similar to last year’s grand final where we kicked seven or eight goals in the third.

“We’ve had quarters and periods where we’ve been able to match it with the best teams, we just haven’t been able to do it for long enough.”

After securing their Premier C status several weeks ago, the Gryphons now sit sixth on the ladder with a 7-9 record.

Once it became clear they would be playing third tier football again in 2025, Edgar said the message change.

“We’ve changed the language to become more about learning and educating,” he said.

“Saturday was a bit about that. The growth we’ve seen from this group has been pleasing to be part of.”

The Gryphons are looking forward to 2025. Image: Cath Coady/VAFA Media.

Among the better players for the Gryphons was Hayden Bass who finished with five and Rhett Weidemann, who is in his first season with the club.

Recruited from Turvey Park in the Riverina league, Weidemann broke his arm in round 2 and didn’t return until a month ago against Oakleigh.

“We’ve had a shocking run with injuries and haven’t been able to get the guys out on the park we’ve wanted to,” Edgar said.

“Rhett played his best game for the club, a really strong lead up forward’s performance on the weekend from him.”

Looking ahead to next season, Edgar will have a few extra magnets on the whiteboard to pick from.

Of the club’s current under-19 cohort, about 30 are eligible to step up into senior footy next year.

“There’s a bit of talent there,” he said.

“The good thing is, it’s going to help out the reserves and put some real pressure on more spots for us going forward.

“I’ve agreed to another year, my eighth season, the club is in a really good position.”