WITH Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division coming down to the wire, every game is vital for most clubs.
Aberfeldie is one of those teams who has a big run home and on Saturday they were up against a side who has built each week in Essendon Doutta Stars.
Tenacity and hardness at the contest is the epitome of Douttas’ game style and again on the weekend that was on display through their immense tackling pressure.
Aberfeldie, when at its best, looks to control play through the middle of the ground.
Through the silky skills of Stef Rasinac, who worked hard on both ends of the ground all day, Abers were able to consistently find quick paths to goal.
But Aberfeldie’s forward entry dominance didn’t reflect on the scoreboard as the Stars defence held the premiers to 1.4 in the first quarter.
Jedd Clothier’s strong spoiling and intercept marking was a highlight down back for the Stars early in the piece.
Caleb Hislop also gained plenty of the ball early and to start the second term, he kicked two quick goals to build some scoreboard pressure for Aberfeldie.
This catapulted Aberfeldie’s high conversion rate when heading inside 50 for the rest of the game.
Playing any role his team needed, Karl Brown was a catalyst in many forward bursts for the Stars through his use of size down back and he presented well for big marks up forward, rallying the away crowd on a tough day.
But Aberfeldie built each quarter and played with thrilling confidence.
Luke Davis and Josh Toy played on at all costs out of defence and as a result, Abers kicked 12 goals to three in the second and third quarters.
In the third term alone Aberfeldie had 20 forward entries to six.
Making the most of Douttas’ minimal forward entries was Charles Lill, who clunked some big contested marks and was rewarded for his efforts with two goals for the day.
However, the spotlight shone mostly on Aberfeldie’s Jayden Foster, who finished with four goals in a display that included both his aerial ability and some roving goals as well.
Still fighting for the last finals spot, Aberfeldie has found some exhilarating form at the right end of the season and finished this one with an impressive 77-point victory.
ABERFELDIE 16.12-108
Goal Kickers: J. Foster 4, C. Hislop 4, S. Rasinac, C. Johns, M. Austin, J. Cubillo, M. Williamson, J. Peters, J. Barrett, V. Carboni
Best Players: J. Toy, C. Hislop, R. Moylan, L. Davis, S. Rasinac, L. Blackwell
ESSENDON DOUTTA STARS 4.7-31
Goal Kickers: C. Lill 2, J. Schroder, M. Day
Best Players: B. Laguda, J. Angus, N. Kazuro, J. Clothier, K. Brown, C. Lill
