Geelong Advertiser |
EAST Geelong booked a spot in the 2013 preliminary final with a hard-fought come-from-behind win over Winchelsea yesterday.
The Eagles trailed by eight points late in the third quarter before charging home with the breeze in the final term.
Coach Ricky O'Toole was elated by his side's effort and endeavour in the sudden-death clash, coupled with the injuries sustained through the match.
"When the game was there to be won I thought we really stood up," he said.
"Considering we lost (Luke) Parker and Jesse Mawson late in the third term, to come away with the win was great.
"I thought we really took the momentum into the last quarter ... I was just proud to see the boys step up today and do it in a big final."
Adding to the brilliant win was the immense number of players absent from the Eagles' regular line-up that saw them win nine of their last 11 home and away matches.
Whitley Medal runner-up Andrew Challis, leading goal-kicker Josh Bouwman, Lachie Szponar and Michael Davis all missed the clash through injury, but O'Toole was positive all would be available for selection for next week's preliminary final against North Geelong.
The huge match-up against the Magpies promises to be an extremely tough task, but with the prospect of a grand final berth on the cards and finals experience behind them, O'Toole was optimistic of his side's ability to deliver another strong performance.
"We're going in as underdogs, North Geelong has had a fantastic season and they're going to be hard to beat, but we're going to give it one hell of a shot.
"I think if we play our best footy we're definitely a chance."
Kaine Marsh and Ricky O'Toole led the way for East Geelong, distributing the ball with precision from the midfield, coupled with Allan Johnson's run off half-back.
Up forward, Josh Molan provided a strong target all day and Drew Holien made the most of his opportunities, kicking two crucial goals.
The Blues wasted no time using the breeze to their advantage, kicking their first goal in the opening minutes, but struggled to capitalise on their many opportunities, converting 2.5 throughout the term.
In contrast East Geelong was efficient going forward, kicking vital goals to take a four point lead into quarter-time.
The Eagles led by 11 points at half time, before the Blues burst out of the blocks in the second half with four of the first five goals, skipping out to a handy eight-point lead.
But Holien converted a pivotal set-shot on the siren to swing the momentum the Eagles' way.
Once again Holien was the man to kick-start the Eagles in the final term with an early goal, again the Blues wasted opportunities going forward as East secured the win.
