By Matt Fotia
Local football means a lot to all of us and here at the EFNL we’re committed to giving you the analysis it deserves in the weekly Eastland In and Under column, where Media Manager Matt Fotia gives you his three key takeaways from the weekend that was.
Bow down to Belo
Much was made of East Ringwood pre-season recruiting work, as the Roo’s targeted a return to the top of the Eastern Football Netball League pyramid this season.
The signings of Mitch and Trent Farmer, along with South Croydon duo Stephen Dinnell and Jason Coghlan, were set to push Ben Osborne’s outfit to the next level, something that was definitely evident to see on Saturday as they handed Mooroolbark their first loss in 18 games via an end-to-end thriller at East Ringwood Reserve.
One of the main reasons the East Ringwood recruits have pushed the 2021 runners up to the next level is the freedom they’ve given James Belo, who up until now has spent a lot more time as the Roo’s main outlet to goal in absence of a genuine key forward. Across the 2019 and 2021 seasons Belo kicked 42 goals in 24 games, taking the best defender in the process.
Now, with the likes of Farmer (Trent), Dinnell, Coghlan, young star Sahaf Ali, up and coming key forward Ben Hickleton and the occasional appearance of Sam Lowson, Belo can concentrate his efforts on running the engine room for his beloved Blue and White.
The East Ringwood number nine is averaging around 20 disposals per game in 2022, with half of those contested. Add in 4.3 clearances, 4.4 inside 50’s, 3.4 score involvements and 0.8 goals per outing and you’ve got yourself one of the premier power midfielders in the competition.
In combination with Mitch Farmer, Connor Weightman, Chris Cerni and the likes of Ali and livewire Tom Naughtin, Belo can help create a point of difference for East Ringwood this spring, with the Roo’s midfield taller, stronger, and more powerful than the likes of their competitors, who would prefer to run all day.
Players like Christian Petracca, Dustin Martin and Patrick Dangerfield have all played key roles in recent AFL Finals Series and Belo fits that mould – albeit at a lower level – and could play an equally large role this September.
Keeping your head
“We lost our cool and we lost the plot, and our discipline went out the window.”
The words of Mooroolbark coach Brett Lavars in an interview with Leader Local Footy regarding his sides 18-point loss to East Ringwood on Saturday, their first loss in 18 games, which saw them drop down into second position on the Division One ladder.
There were plenty of areas were East Ringwood won the game, their clearance work was strong, their key forwards provided consistent threat and Hannin Mundy won the crucial ruck battle with Ryley Monkhorst.
But the game was lost during time on of the second quarter, when the Mustangs conceded three goals due to ill-discipline as they let out their frustrations at a string of decisions that went the way of the Roo’s, including a yellow card to the big man Monkhorst.
A pair of 25 metre penalties gifted goals to James Belo and Stephen Dinnell, before the latter grabbed another goal from a free kick to extend East Ringwood’s lead to 17 points at the break, which was about the final margin too.
Emotions add to the context and atmosphere of big games, and when utilised properly can often be the difference between a win and a loss but keeping them in check is a tougher skill than many believe.
And given how tightly matched these two teams are, it could very well be the difference between a premiership come finals time.
Musical Chairs
Upset victories from Templestowe and Mulgrave have created a four-horse race for fifth spot in Division Two once again, with the Dockers sliding into sixth position after rolling Ringwood on the road, whilst Mulgrave kept their 100% record against South Belgrave in 2022 alive.
The Basin are in the hot seat once again, after Heathmont’s loss to Boronia and on paper remain the favourites to fall into fifth come the end of the Home and Away season, but nothing is for certain with the Bears this season.
They’ll bank a win this weekend against Oakleigh District but will be tested on the run home with games against East Burwood, Templestowe, and Mulgrave to finish.
Heathmont seem the least likely to win a final should they make it given their record against the top four but have two very winnable games against Knox and Oakleigh District coming up before fixtures against East Burwood and Templestowe. A win in either of those and they could stumble into September.
Mulgrave also have a pair of likely wins on the horizon with games against Knox and Oakleigh District sandwiched between home fixtures against Templestowe and The Basin. Given their ability to test the top sides this season, it would be no surprise to see the Lions win all four and head to an elimination final full of confidence. That being said they barely raised a whimper against Heathmont just two weeks ago and could easily finish on eight wins.
Finally, Templestowe.
The Dockers haven’t really been in the conversation until this weekend, but upon closer inspection should really be given more credit, with victories over both Ringwood and The Basin this season along with their last gasp loss to East Burwood clear indicators they’ve got what it takes to ruffle a few feathers.
Unlike their counterparts they don’t have any more bankable wins on the horizon, but they do play all of three of Mulgrave, The Basin and Heathmont in the next month, presenting them with a rare trio of eight-point games. Add in a home clash with Boronia – who they beat away earlier on this season – and the Dockers could hit the elimination final having won four quasi-elimination finals in a row.
Only one thing’s for sure though, we won’t know who’ll be in fifth spot until the final siren of the Home and Away season.