HEIGHTS SECURE TOP TWO FINISH

The Avondale Heights Football Club Senior team secured a top two finish in the Premier Division finals following defeating Essendon Doutta Stars in the Round 16 clash at Nipper Jordan oval last Saturday. In a game where the Heights needed to win to secure the double chance in the upcoming finals series and where Essendon Doutta Stars are desperate for a win to avoid relegation at season's end there was plenty to play for. EDS had won 3 of the 15 games so far this season but lost by under 2 goals in 6 other games. The Heights got off to a good start winning centre clearances and providing good ball movement. Dean Galea presented up forward and Patty Rose was first to provide a goal assist in the opening minute. The Heights midfield led by Luke Cartelli, Leigh Owen and David Stretton were getting first use of the ball and Rhys Magin playing on the wing was gaining possessions at a frequent rate. At the quarter time break, the Heights had a three goal lead. In the second quarter the Height continue to work hard and Dylan DeBritt playing a centre half forward continued to present with his strong marking and two vital goals to stretch the half time lead to 35 points. In the third quarter the Height maintained their score buffer with a sold back line led by Tanner and Tiller but in the time-on period of the third quarter, Essendon Doutta Stars fought back with two late goals to reduce the margin at the three quarter time break to 22 points. In the opening five minutes on the final quarter, EDS continued to press forward and their running game was swinging the momentum their way. With the lead reduced to only nine points and still 16 minutes to play, the Heights were challenged and for the second week the Heights responded with desperation. The Heights players was not going to allow this game to slip. With the game having significance for both teams for different reasons, it was the Heights who found their legs and again started to move the ball well into their forward 50. Patty Rose kicked goals when needed and together with a number of other players broke the EDS surge. The Heights posted eight goals in the final term resulting in a comprehensive win and the securing a top two finish leading into the finals.

Goal Kickers: D. Galea 4, P. Rose 3, R. Magin 3, J. Grabowski 2, D. DeBritt 2, J. Morris 2, J. Fedele , L. Cartelli , D. Stretton , J. Free

Best Players: , R. Magin , L. Owen , L. Cartelli , D. Stretton , S. Tiller , D. DeBritt

Next week, the Mighty Heights play Pascoe Vale in the final home game for the season.
Lets all get down to the game and support the mighty Heights.

Ray Micallef

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