AFL Outer East: Olinda Ferny Creek’s win lifts spirits

The Bloods emerged from a difficult week to score a rousing victory in AFL Outer East — and you’ll barely believe their preparation.

Olinda Ferny Creek players were united on Saturday. Pic: Facebook

Olinda Ferny Creek trained under one light, powered by a generator, on Thursday night.

The Bloods barely had a hundred square metres of light to prepare for their return to play after lockdown.

But coach Brendan Donovan could sense something special.

“You know what, it was probably one of the most fun trainings we’ve had for a couple of years,” he said.

“The boys just adapted. You could see that there was a real resolve.”

Several of the players’ homes were damaged in the violent storm that struck a couple of weeks ago, while up to 7000 households remain without power.

It was a special day for Olinda Ferny Creek. Pic: Facebook

Olinda Ferny Creek’s home ground has been converted into an emergency hub as the local community reaches out for help.

“At training you can’t help but notice there are mums bringing their kids in for food, to have a shower and talk to councillors,” Donovan said.

“The people up there are really hurting.”

On Saturday, Olinda Ferny Creek travelled to Doveton as the AFL Outer East Premier Division season resumed.

The Bloods were determined and full of motivation, for several reasons.

Full-forward Mitch Bonuda was playing his 300th game.

“Mitch is so respected in our group that we knew that we had to get the job done for him,” Donovan said.

Above all else, Donovan said his side was playing for its communities and to put “a smile on a few faces”.

And that they did, kicking six goals in the last quarter to pull clear for a 39-point win, 10.17 (77) to 3.10 (28).

Bonuda kicked a goal in his milestone game, while centre half-forward Lachie Taylor turned in a blinder.

“He would have taken 15 contested marks, laid three or four inside fifty tackles, he was just amazing,’’ Donovan said of Taylor.

“It was the best game I’ve ever seen him play.”

Mitch Bonuda in his 300th game. Pic: Facebook

After all that’s gone on in the Dandenong Ranges, Donovan said the rousing win was a timely booster.

“Probably the main message was, ‘let’s put a smile on a few faces’,’’ Donovan said.

“People have had a really tough week.

“The clean up is such on ongoing thing. The message that came through on Wednesday of getting no power for three weeks would have really affected people.

“Footy for a lot of people is a release from what they’re doing and we really tried to make it that on Saturday.’’

Patrick Rosier, Kelsey Currie and Tyler Belloni were also key figures in the win, while Nick Keegan and Heath Hocking kicked two goals apiece.

Olinda Ferny Creek is now 3-2 and in fifth spot.

Originally published as AFL Outer East: Olinda Ferny Creek’s win lifts spirits