THE VAFA has produced a seven-goal fourth quarter to defeat the EFL by 46 points in the main event of the AFL Victoria Metropolitan Championships at Visy Park.
The EFL led by one point just minutes before the three-quarter time siren, until a goal from the VAFA’s Matt Handley sparked an eight-goal run.
VAFA’s Brendan Goss starred with five goals, while Murphy Ambrose was named Best on Ground for his three goals and electrifying performance through the midfield.
Tom Paule and Handley finished with two apiece, both chiming in at crucial stages.
For the EFL, Balwyn’s Luke Barker booted two goals, while ruckman Simon Taylor was awarded the EFL’s best on ground medal for his tireless ruck work and ethic. Joel Perry was excellent in defence, providing plenty of drive off half-back and winning most one-on-one contests, while Leigh Williams tried hard up forward.
The EFL began strongly, booting the first and only two goals of the opening quarter via Barker and Shane Tregear.
However Goss produced two telling goals in the space of five minutes during the second term that put his side slightly ahead at half time.
The game opened up in the third quarter, with Marcus Hottes, Tom Schneider and Daniel King beginning to accumulate disposals. One of King’s was an inspirational goal form outside 50m.
However, classy VAFA midfielders Adam Bentick, Tom Roach and Tom Paule found space and used handball to link up and create play through the middle of the ground.
With only five points separating the two teams at the final break, most anticipated a tight finish. It was not to be.
FINAL SCORES
VAFA 0.1 3.3 5.8 12.8 (80) EFL 2.1 2.1 5.3 5.4 (34)
GOALS VAFA: B. Goss 5, M. Ambrose 3, T. Paule 2, M. Handley 2 EFL: L. Barker 2, D. King , L. Williams , S. Tregear
BEST VAFA: M. Ambrose, T. Paule, B. Goss, B. Mahon, T. Roach, W. Tardif EFL: S. Taylor, T. Gilchrist, S. Tregear, S. Kemperman, J. Chirgwin, L. Barker