Officer looks set to be clear of the drop with the Kangaroos firing in the second half to overrun Emerald in round 15 of the Outer East Premier Division.
In what would prove to be a crucial matchup in the relegation stakes, Officer came away with what is effectively an eight-pointer, pushing itself 10 ladder points clear of the Bombers.
But it didn’t start according to plan at Rob Porter Reserve as Emerald managed the only goal in the second quarter to lead 3.5(23) to 2.4(16) at the main break.
Kangaroos senior playing coach Nathan Allen’s address at halftime reminded his young outfit to respect their opponent and continue to battle.
“No one’s going to roll over in this comp,” he said on what he mentioned to his side in the halftime message.
“Just keep sticking to our way and don’t try to play any other way, don’t try to reinvent the wheel, the last six to eight weeks we’ve been really good.”
Clearly his words resonated as Officer booted five goals in the third quarter to hit the front and swing the game.
Mark Seedsman slotted three majors in the term from set shots with a high degree of difficulty, uplifting the young brigade to a 7.7(49) to 5.7(37) three quarter time lead.
Aiden Collinson got the first of the fourth for the hosts, widening the margin to 21 points.
Emerald responded quickly through a David Johnson major, but Diesel De Santis goaled to put the nail in the coffin and secured the massive result for the Kangaroos.
Tensions started to boil over in a high-pressure game, with Seedsman being awarded a downfield free kick late in the contest as a result of a 50 metre penalty.
While he put it through from the goalsquare, a melee erupted in the centre of the ground.
The Bombers were further penalised, gifting Seedsman another goal in a matter of seconds.
The final siren blared shortly thereafter, with Officer winning 11.12(78) to 6.8(44).
“They really challenged us early, they got extra numbers around the ball and made it really hard for us to move it,” Allen said of the first half.
“Thankfully in the second half we were a lot cleaner, we were able to get the ball into open space more and play our way.
“When we get challenged like that it becomes contested and an arm wrestle but it was good that we were able to work through that and continue to play our way.
“It was nice to see that.
“It was super, to be challenged and continue on our way was great.
“We just stayed involved in the game and continued to concentrate.
“The backs are defending so well because they’re picking and choosing when they go or when they stay and hold their position.
“Thankfully it happened really quickly out of halftime.”
Seedsman finished the day with a haul of six goals, his highest this season in potentially the Kangaroos’ most important result.
He’s been fantastic up front, already surpassing his goal tally of last season, while also being an important voice for the youngsters around him.
“He was super, he just kept competing,” Allen said of his key forward.
“Sometimes our ball use doesn’t help him but on Saturday our ball use was really good going forward and he was able to get on the end of it.
“He’s kicked a few bags this year now.
“He’s been really good for us and we don’t have many senior experienced blokes so he’s one that stands up and he’s very vocal so he helps the young kids; whether he’s kicking goals or not.”
Saturday’s win also acts as a building block for Officer’s season with Allen’s men a much-improved side in the latter stages of the year.
He believes what worked on the weekend was the indication of the strides the Kangaroos have made every game.
“I wouldn’t say it was just from the weekend, the whole back half of the year we’ve played really consistent footy, we just hope to finish it that way,” Allen said.
“The main thing is how much we’ve improved from the start to now and the footy that we’re playing.”
For Emerald, this result almost certainly sinks its season.
Johnson and the boys from Chandler Reserve have fought incredibly hard all season, but now would need to win all three of their remaining games to stay up.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
Gembrook Cockatoo couldn’t overcome a poor first half with the Brookers trailing Upwey Tecoma by 46 points at the main break.
The Tigers rode the score to run out to a resounding 19.16(130) to 8.15(63) win at home.
Healesville gave an Aaron Mullett-less Wandin a scare, leading at halftime before succumbing to the class of the Bulldogs 9.7(61) to 7.16(58).
One of the stunners of the season came out of Olinda Reserve with Mount Evelyn knocking off the Bloods 12.6(78) to 10.10(70).
The Rovers are making a serious case for finals, moving into fifth with a significantly better percentage than Healesville.
Woori Yallock snapped Monbulk’s three game win streak, comfortably getting the chocolates at home 12.8(80) to 7.13(55).
Taylor Gibson ran riot, booting eight goals in the victory.
