East Sunbury’s inability to close out its match against Roxburgh Park on Saturday has all but ended the side’s finals hopes in Essendon District Football League division 2.
Needing to beat the ladder-leaders to stay in finals’ contention, the Thunder were left to rue giving up a 20-point lead in the final quarter.
The Magpies didn’t need to be asked twice, and converted their chances late to win 11.5 (71)-8.9 (57).
Thunder’s coach Steve Grey said they had chances to seal the win.
They managed to keep the Magpies goal-less in the first quarter and restricted them to one goal in the third quarter.
“We definitely had our chances but didn’t take them,” Grey said.
“At a time in the game when we needed to good with the ball we were turning the ball over, and our kicking efficiency was not up to it. We were 20 points up and they went to another level.
“We couldn’t go with them. We’ve still got to learn how to finish off games. It’s a great learning curve going forward.”
Grey said while the loss was disappointing, it was also an indication of how far the side has come.
“We played them twice last year and lost by 80 and 100 points,” he said. “The first time we played them this year we lost by 60 to 70 points, and then it was five goals the next time, and this time 14 points.
“We are getting closer and closer to the top side. We’ve been competitive.”
Jason King was the only multiple goalkicker for the Thunder, with three goals. Michael Stewart was named best in the loss.
Mathematically, the Thunder is still in finals contention, but it would require everything to go its way – it needs wins against Keilor Park and Coburg Districts, and for the win-less Burnside Heights to beat Keilor Park. It would also depend on Jacana’s results.
Grey said the side is resigned to missing finals.
“We still have to finish the year off and be competitive,” he said. “If we can finish the season 8-10, I’d be pretty happy with that.
“I said at the start of the season that six wins would be par. I was hoping for at least seven wins this year and at 12 wins next year, and … finals.”
While the senior side is unlikely to make the end game, the club will still feature in finals for the first time since fielding senior teams.
The under-18 side sits on top of the ladder undefeated and looks the team to beat.
The reserves side has also secured a finals spot.
