Whittlesea remain upbeat despite loss to Banyule, ready for Eltham

Whittlesea coach Blair Harvey took plenty of positives from the Eagles’ major semi-final loss to Banyule and the addition of a star forward could prove critical ahead of a preliminary final against Eltham.

Whittlesea and Banyule players battle for the ball. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Whittlesea was 10 minutes away from a place in the NFL Division 2 decider but ultimately fell seven points short of minor premier Banyule in Saturday’s major semi-final.

When Blake Watson goaled midway through the final quarter, the Eagles were four points in front and within touching distance of a spot in the grand final.

However, they couldn’t hold on as the Bears kicked the final two goals of the game to claim an 11.9 (75) to 10.8 (68) victory at Epping Reserve.

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Whittlesea will face Eltham in the preliminary final this weekend.

Despite the loss, Eagles coach Blair Harvey remained upbeat, confident his team was capable of matching it with the premiership favourite.

“It was a free-flowing game, neither team went in with a defensive mindset, so the game was played in really good spirits,” Harvey said.

Nathan Stefanile and Tim Martin wrestle. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Luke Deards attempts to punch the ball away. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We hit the lead late in the last quarter but weren’t able to hold on to it.

“A few things bounced their way — one bloke had a shot that looked like it was going for a point but at the last second turned right through the goals — a bit of luck and you need that in finals. Unfortunately it wasn’t our day.”

Half-back Jaron Murphy was best afield for Whittlesea with his run and carry out of defence, while he also snuck forward and kicked two goals.

Fellow defender Brody Bell helped keep Banyule’s potent forward line subdued, while Paul Higgins, Riley Carter and Nathan Stefanile also impressed.

“We didn’t have many bad players, it was just a good game of footy. Unfortunately we just couldn’t get it done,” Harvey said.

“Brody is about 6 foot 3 — he’s rookie listed at Northern Blues — and he’s holding down centre half-back for us.

Mitchell Andrews celebrates a goal with Max Dyson. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“He defends really well, a good decision-maker when he gets the ball in his hands, he’s only 19 years old … I don’t think we’ll see much of him next year, he’ll be playing VFL football.”

Forward Curtis Taplin dislocated his knee cap but could still feature in the preliminary final.

Key forward Sam Indian will also be available after missing with a hamstring strain.

Whittlesea split its games with Eltham this season, the Panthers claimed a 14-point triumph at home in Round 3 before the Eagles won a four-point thriller in the wet in Round 10.

Thomastown will be no easybeat either. While the Eagles claimed both matches this season, the margins were just nine and 11 points.

“They’re both very good sides. We’ve only beaten Eltham once — in the wet — and we’ve beaten Thomastown twice but both times by about 10 points,” Harvey said.

“The top-four sides are very even, to be honest.”

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