AIRPORT West’s remarkable run of form has now landed them an unlikely Grand Final berth in Essendon Ford Division 1.
A month ago no one had the Eagles getting to Windy Hill for the big one, but after a thrilling Preliminary Final win over Hillside at Coburg City Oval on Sunday, they’re back to take on Glenroy this weekend.
It was a rigid arm wrestle in front of an impressive crowd, with both sides staying neck and neck until the end.
It was the Prelim that Essendon Ford Division 1 deserved.
The Sharks took a while to get going but once they did, it was Victor Micallef and Julian Hemala, back in the side, who led the way.
But they were without an important cog, with Jackson Volpato not taking the field on Sunday.
Up forward Brandon Coletta looked to have some confidence back, while Matt Patane was looking dangerous as well.
Despite a close margin throughout, it looked as though Hillside had the class to get over the line.
But Airport West had other ideas, and what followed through to the final siren will serve as a warning to Glenroy this Sunday – don’t ever count Airport West out.
The Eagles were dogged in their grind, with Tyson Young patrolling things across half back and Brandon Raad playing his role.
But when the game was on the line in the last, it was Brendan Godden who stepped to the plate.
Godden was incredible, snagging a spectacular goal from a well-populated right forward pocket at the Harding Street end.
Minutes later he nearly did it again from 50, but the ball was touched on the line.
Patane replied for the Sharks and suddenly extra time looked a real possibility with scores level.
With four minutes on the clock, Godden marked in the pocket and, as rain began to pour over Coburg City Oval, he nailed the set shot to put the Eagles six points up.
They soon scored a handy point from the restart, and from there did not allow the tired Sharks a chance to come back.
Hillside did eventually force it inside 50 and Patane was able to mark it in scoring range, but the siren then blew, rendering his kick irrelevant to the result.
He kicked the goal among celebrating Airport West players, leaving the final margin at a single point.
HILLSIDE 13.8-86
Goal Kickers: B. Coletta 4, R. Ferraro 3, M. Patane 3, J. Hemala, I. Akkok, V. Micallef
Best Players: J. Sinclair, V. Micallef, I. Akkok, J. Hemala, J. Hayes, R. Ferraro
AIRPORT WEST 13.9-87
Goal Kickers: B. Godden 5, J. McVeigh 2, C. Rogers 2, J. Brown, A. Penaluna, S. Anchen, T. Young
Best Players: B. Godden, B. Raad, L. Di Sebastiano, J. Mullins, C. McGrath, J. Eddy
