Reservoir spearhead Ash Flavel proves his worth as the Mustangs close in on a flag four years in the making

FOUR years ago, Ash Flavel arrived at Crispe Park with a point to prove.

Reservoir footballer Ash Flavel. Pic: Northern Football League.

FOUR years ago, Ash Flavel arrived at Crispe Park with a point to prove.

Reservoir had finished fifth in 2011, lacking a spearhead to compete with South Morang and Parkside — the sides which contested that year’s grand final.

The former Essendon District Football League forward has been a constant threat since as he looks to fire Reservoir into Division 2.

Flavel has averaged 3.55 goals a match for the Mustangs, slotting 217 majors over 61 matches.

The sharpshooter is on track to achieve his best year at Reservoir, moving to 59 goals from 16 matches after booting seven in last weekend’s semi-final win over South Morang.

His highest tally stands at 64 goals, achieved last year.

“We’ve worked so hard since a lot of us came over to the club,” Flavel said.

“We’ve all worked hard together.

“Hopefully one more win, we get the job done and (it’s worth) the four years we’ve done together.”

Reservoir came close to earning promotion in 2014, but ran into an unstoppable Thomastown outfit during finals.

The Mustangs have not been better placed to achieve the ultimate success in Flavel’s time at the club, having won their past seven matches.

Flavel’s form has mirrored Reservoir’s over the second half of the 2015 campaign.

Over the Mustangs’ past eight matches, he has kicked less than four goals only once, averaging 4.5 majors a game.

“The last few weeks I’ve been kicking a few, you’ll take it where you can,” he said.

While Reservoir’s multi-pronged forward line has proved difficult to stop this year, Flavel said the side’s defence had been the cornerstone of its success.

“Your back six is what wins premierships. It starts from there. Our back six have been tremendous all year,” he said.

Reservoir coach Ross Terranova was quick to temper excitement after his side’s emphatic semi-final victory over South Morang.

“In the end the job hasn’t been finished yet. We’ve still got a job to do, we’ve still got to play another game of footy,” Terranova said.

The Mustangs will meet either Epping or the Lions in next week’s season decider.