By Dyson Baker – EFL Media
The grip on top spot remains tight for the Geelong Football League after defending their ranking by 24 points against the Eastern Football League this afternoon. With the run of play early in the game, the boys from the EFL found poise and control the quickest and drew first blood. However, disposal errors cost the boys in red, white and black and Geelong managed to convert chances late in the opening term to head into ¼ with a 12-point lead. In what was a fast paced first term the back six of the Geelong Football League fought off a barrage of entries before gaining the ascendency.
¼ Time Geelong FNL 4.3.27 Eastern FL 2.2.14
The EFL wasted no time in the second term, hitting the scoreboard off the boot of Daniel Cooper in the first 20 seconds. Once again a late lapse gave Geelong a sniff and with forward Jason Devonport figuring heavily, the GFL made the most of the chances.
½ Time Geelong FNL 6.5.41 Eastern FL 4.4.28
For the third consecutive quarter the EFL got the perfect start and kicked a goal early to decrease the margin once more, some lovely work off half back from Noble Park’s Ben Giobbi and Balwyn’s Jackson Weatherald keeping the EFL in the fight. The EFL forwards managed to find some space away from the Geelong defence although were unable to convert under pressure on a couple of occasions. Perhaps the most damaging lapse of the afternoon saw the EFL get to within 7 points midway through the term before Geelong struck in red time to take a commanding lead into the final change.
¾ Time Geelong FNL 10.6.66 Eastern FL 6.7.43
Needing to kick the first early, it was dangerous times when Jason Devonport struck to blow the margin out to 5 goals. To the credit of the EFL midfield through the likes of Williams, Roach and King the East were able to find a will to win and work their way back into the contest. The EFL has brought the margin back to just 18 points, and had numerous chances going forward to reduce that to under 2 goals late in the game.
A steadier for the GFL in red time was enough to calm the nerves and the Geelong FL were able to play out time and hold their 3-4 goal lead for the final minutes. Geelong FNL 4.3-27 6.5-41 10.6-66 13.10-88 Eastern Football League 2.2-14 4.4-28 6.7-43 9.10-64
Geelong FNL Goal Kickers: J. Davenport 4, A. Donohue 2, B. Howarth 2, J. Young 2, S. Close, C. Moreland, J. Erskine Best Players: C. Floyd, M. McMahon, J. Young, P. Hinkley, J. Davenport, C. Moreland
Eastern Football League Goal Kickers: D. Cooper 2, D. Hughes, M. Bate, J. Gobbels, C. Manuel, D. Limbach, J. Meesen Best Players: S. Hill, B. Giobbi, J. Meesen, L. Carey, D. Hughes, J. Vanunen
The win to the Geelong FL confirms them at Number 1 in community football whilst the Eastern Football League will be ranked third heading into next seasons competition.