The Courier |
UNTIL yesterday it seemed as though everything in the Ballarat Football League was following the script.
Sunbury had put its stamp on second position, meaning Redan was most likely going to finish third (although Darley would still have something to say about that) and East Point would be consigned to finishing fifth.
But then something strange happened, something even East Point coach Dan Jordan had conceded before the match would be fairly unlikely.
In a rare Sunday fixture, East Point beat North Ballarat City – the side that had not lost a game all year and was looking destined to go through the season undefeated.
Had the Kangaroos lost they could have kissed a top-three finish goodbye.
It would have been disappointing for the red, white and blue, but probably expected.
But yesterday’s win not only sees the Roos now within one win of a top three position, but more importantly brings a realisation that they can actually beat the best sides in the BFL.
Until yesterday, East Point was yet to defeat a side above it on the ladder apart from Darley (although East was actually ahead of the Devils on the ladder at the time).
Jordan knew it was an issue.
“There’s no point smashing the bottom sides if we can’t beat the good sides,” he said last month.
Now, East Point has genuinely thrust itself into premiership calculations.
No longer can it be considered the team that will put up a strong fight but most likely bow out of the finals race early.
East Point can win the 2013 premiership.
“I always thought if we could win one against a side above us we could go from there,” Jordan said after the match yesterday.
“I’ve got no doubt that we’re good enough but we have to start believing in ourselves that we are good enough.
“Whilst it was a good solid victory over North, we’re not elated. We move straight on to next week.
“Sometimes when you knock teams like North off, you sometimes awaken a sleeping giant.”
It was a huge win that Roos supporters will remember for a long time, but in reality it will mean little if they can’t produce a repeat performance against Darley next week, in what is shaping as match of the season.
Just think, East Point could find itself in third position this time next week.
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