ROUND 18 v West Preston Lakeside @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team B M McPherson, S Kilby, D Strickland HB J Hewish, K Jones, A McHugh C L Richardson, M Minney, T Richardson HF C Brincat, A Mithen, J Orwin F S Strickland, A Willoughby, C Moyle R L McCreery, D Brown, M Martin I M Weisheit, M Tallack, B Strickland

Result

Sat 9 August	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	0-4-4	2-11-23	3-13-31	7-14-56
West Preston	4-2-26	8-3-51	11-7-73	16-9-105

GoalsJoel Hewish 2, Michael Martin 2, Chris Moyle, Lachie Richardson, Shannon Strickland.

BestMichael Martin, Lachie Richardson, Luke Mc Creery, Mark Minney, Justin Orwin.

Game Summary
It was not the most memorable weekend on the field as the players played out the season against West Preston Lakeside. With the ground holding up fairly well a good game was anticipated, however as it panned out Eltham were not completely focussed on the task of upsetting another top four team and kicked themselves out of it. But, to be fair the Roosters seemed always to do enough to get the points.

.

ROUND 17 v North Heidelberg @ Shelley Street Reserve

Selected Team From L McCreery, A Willoughby, A McHugh, M Martin, S Boyle, S Strickland, B Strickland, L Ferns, D Brown, M McPherson, L Richardson, T Richardson, M Tallack, S Kilby, M Weisheit, A Mithen, M Minney, J Orwin, C Brincat.

Result

Sat 10 August	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	1-1-7	3-4-22	5-7-37	10-9-69
North Heidelberg	2-2-14	3-3-21	8-7-55	11-8-74

GoalsMichael Martin 2, Antony Mithen 2, Brett Strickland 2, Matthew Tallack 2, Mark Minney, Andrew Willoughby.

BestMichael Martin, Mark Minney, Lachie Richardson, Antony Mithen, Matthew Mc Pherson.

Game Summary
On reflection of the season the Panthers are having inconsistency is not such a bad circumstance. Considering previously in division one Eltham has been consistently bad. Now they are only inconsistently bad, which on the flip side also means they are inconsistently good, which is where I'm trying to make my point. On Saturday against North Heidelberg we saw the good Eltham come out to play and take the game right to the Dogs at their own kennel only to fall short by 5 points.

In the thick of it was Michael Martin and Mark Minney, who have both taken over Eltham's engine room since the absence of Adam Contessa through injury. In a low scoring game the midfield players of both sides dominated the scoring with defences keeping their respective forwards in check. An unlikely backman, Luke McCreery kept big Puffer Brandt goalless and Matt McPherson kept the dangerous Saul Caddy quiet, which stifled North's normal attack routes.

The Panthers had let the Dogs slip out to a 3 goal lead at three quarter time but refused to give the game away. A late charge in the last quarter Eltham had most of the play and kicked 5 goals hard fought goals. But at the other end North seemed to construct their goals with greater ease and slipped through 3 of their own to keep Eltham at bay. It would have been an unlikely win as Eltham have not won at Shelley Street against North since 1975 (they won premierships in 1997 and 2000 v Mernda & Watsonia) but all the same the Panthers are looking to build towards further improvement next season.

ROUND 16 v Greensborough @ War Memorial Park

Selected Team From L McCreery, L Paul, A McHugh, M Martin, K Jones, S Strickland, Z Eaton, L Ferns, D Brown, M Martin, L Richardson, T Richardson, M Tallack, S Kilby, M Weisheit, G Neville, M Minney, S Hunter, J Orwin, C Brincat, S Tate.

Result

Sat 2 August	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	1-3-9	5-3-33	9-3-57	13-7-85
Greensborough	2-3-15	5-5-35	11-8-74	14-11-95

Goals 

Best 

Game Summary
It's always the poor people in the administration department that are last to know. The white collar stiff in the web-office pushing the keys, no one talks to him these days. Now I'm starting to feel like that poor Japanese guy on the Pacific Island who was still fighting WWII 20 years after the dust had settled over Hiroshima. Is the season over? Can I take a break now and shut up shop? By the evidence of the last two weeks the Panther players have packed away their footy boots and are ironing their whites. No worries. Forget about trying to generate momentum for next season to help shore up some extra enthusiasm. Let someone else worry about that.

Congratulations to Greensborough for winning their first game of the season. If anyone understands what you have been through this season it would be Eltham die hearts.

ROUND 15 v Montmorency @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team From J Hewish, R Jordan, A McHugh, M Martin, D Strickland, S Strickland, Z Eaton, L Ferns, D Brown, C Moyle, L Richardson, T Richardson, M Tallack, S Kilby, M McPherson, G Neville, M Minney, S Hunter, J Orwin, C Brincat, S Tate.

Result

Sat 26 July	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	0-2-2	0-4-4	0-4-4	1-4-10
Montmorency	2-3-15	6-5-35	13-8-86	16-10-106

GoalsGavan Neville.

BestMark Minney, Lachie Richardson, Danny Strickland.

Game Summary
The miserable weather turned the clock back for many Eltham supporters as they dutifully watched Montmorency systematically overpower their team in atrocious conditions. But this season things are a little different. Montmorency are on top and not eighth and Eltham are not week in week out uncompetitive and on the bottom. The valley Magpies hit the depleted Eltham with their full compliment of artillery and the Panthers, riddled with injury, were left to defend the oncoming tanks with slingshots. It was a simple mismatch from the start. Whispers were going around the Montmorency camp that Eltham were confident enough and wanted to have a tattslotto ticket on the outcome. What are we masochists?

The only thing that can be said of the conditions was that it did ensure slow movement of the ball, which gave the neighbouring supporters a chance to catch up and talk about the 1977 season when Eltham last beat Monty. Then again half of us were not alive. Thankfully the local derby can still generate enough enthusiasm regardless of the historical discrepancy between the teams. Many thanks must go to the Montmorency people for their patronage on the day, ensuring their neighbours received some return for the day.

The only other comment that can be made besides thanking Gavan Neville for kicking our only goal, was the return of Brett Grant to Panther Park. The slippery elastic Gollum was at home in the wet amphibian conditions and obviously in form in the lead up to the finals. It hurts to see him in the black and white stripes but we can swallow our stubbornness long enough to wish him and his chosen team mates the best and hope they achieve what they set out to do.

ROUND 14 v Epping @ Epping Recreation Reserve

Selected Team From J Hewish, M Weisheit, A McHugh, M Martin, D Strickland, S Strickland, B Strickland, L Ferns, R Jordan, D Brown, Z Eaton, A Mithen, C Moyle, L Richardson, T Richardson, M Tallack, S Kilby, M McPherson, G Neville, M Minney, S Hunter, J Orwin, L McCreery, K Jones, L Paul.

Tom Richardson tries to upstage Lukey McCreery.

Result

Sat 19 July	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	3-3-21	7-4-46	14-6-90	16-9-105
Epping	5-4-34	8-8-56	12-14-86	15-15-105

GoalsMark Minney 4, Chris Moyle 4, Lachie Richardson 2, Simon Hunter, Michael Martin, Gavan Neville, Justin Orwin, Lucas Paul, Brett Strickland.

BestTom Richardson, David Brown, Mark Minney, Chris Moyle.

Game Summary
A gritty fighting display from the Eltham Panthers helped them to a draw against Epping at the home of the division one finals, up at High Street Epping. Naturally, in games so close, the result could have gone either way, in an action packed last quarter which saw the lead change four times.

Eltham's season has been one of inconsistency, which is typical of a team inexperienced at this level, and the Panther supporters that ventured through the gorge and over the Morang plateau were counting on the A team showing up. After seeing the red & black under 19's and reserves take the points the fans were buoyed with optimism.

Playing without stand out midfielder Adam Contessa, Eltham pressed the home side during the first half with captain Lach Richardson burning at half-back. Coming into the third quarter with a 10 point lead Epping kicked the first 3 goals probing Eltham's resolve. In seasons past, at this point Eltham would have caved in, but they have come a long way this year and they answered with a rampaging seven goals to one to lead at three quarter time by four points. Mark Minney and Tom Richardson were collecting the lose ball at will and finding forward pocket Chris Moyle the perfect foil for Michael Martin, Lucas Paul and company up forward.

Epping opened up with the first goal of the last quarter and were moving the ball better from defence into attack. But Eltham were doing better in the one-on-one contests with Steven Kilby and Matt McPherson marking strongly. At ground level Shannon Strickland was playing his best game for the year and with the drive from Minney and David Brown, Eltham were still getting their fair share of the ball.

What sort of draw would it be without some high drama. At a congested ball up on Eltham's half-forward the officiating umpire got caught up with the two competing ruckman and was flattened to the ground. The ball spilled toward the boundary line and was picked up by Minney who snapped the ball from an impossible angle splitting the big sticks. The Panthers had regained the lead and were celebrating but the umpire was still down chewing grass and in no state to give the goalie the all clear. It took the second umpire and the players some time to realise and went to help the slightly groggy umpire to his feet. What would be the call? All clear or bring it back and start again? Luckily for the Panthers the goal was given but there was still twenty minutes to play.

Epping were on the attack again but only managed points until they peeled off a great move and got it to one of their leading forwards who put the home side back in front. What Eltham fans thought was a quick reply was denied by the goalie as Moyle kicked a set shot over the post. Eltham continued to pepper the goals with Justin Orwin kicking two points but causing some trouble for his marker. Then Minney kicked the ball into the forward line and was dumped after he released it and a down the field penalty was paid. But the ball had gone out on the full so Minney had to kick again from 55 metres out. He was right on his distance but with the aid of a slight breeze kicked truely to put the Panthers five points up.

The Panthers were starting to try and run the clock down and were doing so successfully but there was a lot longer to go than what they thought. Joel Hewish ran through the centre of the ground and had a shot from 45m but it strayed. The players from both sides were exhausted and it was only will power keeping them going. Epping brought the ball out and moved it freely down their favourite wing spearing a great pass to arguably best on ground Peter Cristoforo who coolly slotted through his seventh to square up the game.

The centre break was crucial with Epping clearing it their way putting the Eltham defence under the pump. The Pingers cornered Andy McHugh with the ball and the umpire gave the free to Epping coach Saade Ghazi to loud cheering from the Epping supporters. Ghazi was possibly within range but he elected to cross the ball to a leading forward. The kick was slightly ill directed and was courageously chopped off by Eltham's Hewish, who not for the first time in the quarter marked and cleared. It was not long after that the siren to end the epic final quarter with the score locked at 105 each.

ROUND 13 v Heidelberg @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team B J Hewish, L Paul, S Kilby HB N Richardson, L Richardson, T Richardson C M Tallack, M Weisheit, D Brown HF M McPherson, S Hunter, G Neville F C Brincat, J Orwin, C Moyle R L McCreery, A Contessa, M Minney I (from) A Mithen, B Strickland, L Howse. Changes In M McPherson, B Strickland, L Howse. Out S Tate, M Martin (inj), K Jones.

Water person Peter Burton struggles to recognise the same team that beat Bundoora last week.

Result

Sat 12 July	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	2-0-12	4-2-26	5-4-34	6-4-40
Heidelberg	7-2-44	10-2-62	14-5-89	19-8-122

GoalsGavan Neville 2, Adam Contessa, Simon Hunter, Chris Moyle, Lucas Paul.

BestAdam Contessa, Luke Mc Creery, Lachie Richardson, David Brown, Matthew Tallack.

Game Summary
The Heidelberg Tigers gave the Eltham Panthers a hard lesson about division one football on Saturday. Given an even chance of recording their first back-to-back victory in the top division by the footballing critics, the Panthers were completely outclassed by a team playing sharp classy football. The concentration and desperation which served Eltham so well in their victory over Bundoora was totally absent from the majority of the team as Heidelberg were allowed to jump out of the blocks virtually uncontested to open up a 5 goal break at quarter time.

Nothing improved in the second quarter and it was clearly evident that it was going to be a whitewash with the Panther team not switched on. Out numbered at the contests and out muscled at the breakdowns, Eltham were starved of the ball. When they did manage to get it they did not have the run in their legs from last week and generally chose poor options under pressure and bombed it to Heidelberg's big blokes.

Some of the players are settling in well to the first division pace and are consistently putting in quality performances. Those players again shone through amongst the rubble. The likes of Adam Contessa, who just does not put in a bad performance, Lach and Tom Richardson, Mark Minney and forward Gavin Neville. David Brown is also showing good form each week and Luke McCreery has improved as the season progressed. These blokes you know are going to give 100%. When the other guys all get their heads right the team generally puts in a blinder, when they don't it is happy days for the opposition. All Panther supporter knew this at the start of the season and have faith the team and the Club are heading in the right direction. On Saturday we found that we simply have to work harder to get to the next level.

ROUND 12 v Bundoora @ Yulong Reserve

Selected Team B J Hewish, K Jones, S Kilby HB N Richardson, L Richardson, T Richardson C C Moyle, M Weisheit, D Brown HF S Tate, S Hunter, G Neville F C Brincat, L Paul, M Martin R L McCreery, A Contessa, M Minney I (from) A Mithen, J Orwin, M Tallack Changes In L Paul, S Kilby. Out J Mee, B Strickland

The seniors celebrate loudly after victory against Bundoora.

Result

Sat 5 July	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	4-2-26	10-4-64	14-6-90	16-8-104
Bundoora	4-4-28	7-8-50	10-10-70	13-14-92

GoalsGavan Neville 3, Adam Contessa 2, Simon Hunter 2, Steven Kilby 2, Chris Moyle 2, Christopher Brincat, Mark Minney, Matthew Tallack, Shannon Tate, Matthew Weisheit.

BestAdam Contessa, Mark Minney, David Brown, Lachie Richardson, Joel Hewish.

Game Summary
Eltham recorded it best first division win since the two division competition was introduced in 1981 by defeating the Bundoora Bull's on their own turf last Saturday. The win outstripped the previous best victory against North Heidelberg in 1990 at Panther Park when, to the surprise of everyone, Eltham had nine goals on the board before the seemingly invincible Dogs had kicked through a major. This weeks win over Bundoora is Eltham's first win since the Bulls entered the competition in 1981. Bundoora have since beat the Panthers the last 15 times, and most distressingly to Panther supporters, most have not been by modest margins but categorical floggings. In round three this year the Bulls racked up 28 goals on their way to a 117 point trouncing. For these reasons the win surpasses the 1990 game.

To the surprise of most supporters, the quarter time speech by Eltham coach Phil Maylin was quite unsympathetic to his players when the score line read 4 goals apiece. Maylin asked for a higher tackle count and more desperation to win the ball and the players responded with a flawless second quarter kicking against the win. The quarter proved the match winner as Eltham kicked 6 goals to 3 to lead by 14 points at the main break. Kicking with the aid of the breeze Eltham got out to a six-goal break before Bundoora mounted their challenge. Bundoora finished off the quarter with the last two goals, the first controversial, and then kicked the first two of the final quarter to get within a kick with 15 minutes to play. A goal to Steve Kilby and the sealer by Chris Brincat from the boundary ended Bundoora's hopes of salvaging the points. Their late goal did nothing to ease the frustration of their supporters.

The games from Adam Contessa and Mark Minney were simply outstanding. Allowed to run unattended for the entire game was a telling tactical error as they racked up thirty plus possession games and gave Eltham the drive out of the centre needed to complete the memorable victory. Without the services of Mick Martin and Shannon Tate who went off injured in the opening minutes, Eltham had little room to move and this situation was only exacerbated when Lucas Paul could take no further part in the game in the closing quarter. Big men Luke McCreery and Simon Hunter stood tall around the ground and captain Lach Richardson and 202 gamer David Brown again put in solid performances.

ROUND 11 v Northcote Park @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team B J Hewish, K Jones, T Richardson HB B Strickland, L Richardson, J Mee C M Tallack, M Martin, D Brown HF C Moyle, S Hunter, G Neville F C Brincat, J Orwin, S Tate R L McCreery, A Contessa, M Minney I A Mithen, M Weisheit, N Richardson Changes In J Hewish, M Weisheit, N Richardson. Out S Kilby (inj), S Strickland, D Strickland.

Gavin Neville marks safely out in front on his way to kicking four goals against Northcote Park.

Result

Sat 28 June	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	3-3-21	8-3-51	11-4-70	14-4-88
Northcote Park	8-3-51	11-5-71	16-10-106	18-12-120

GoalsUnknown.

BestUnknown.

Game Summary
It seems the Eltham Panthers had a good look in the mirror through the week and performed somewhere near their capabilities when they took on reigning premier Northcote Park. Even though Eltham went down 14-4 to 18-12 the guys played more to the coaches instructions and maintained composure under pressure. The two teams went into the game with completely differing goals. The Cougars were blooding a few youngsters to see who could fill their remaining spots in their title defence and the Panthers needed to regain some lost respectability after the last couple of games since the Queens Birthday break.

After Northcote Park's onslaught on the goals last week against North Heidelberg, the Panthers tactics were clearly to cramp the bigger forwards for space to lead into. Over the course of the game the tactics were quite successful, keeping the home side within range of an upset. If it was not for the last twelve minutes in the first quarter when the Cougars banged through six unanswered majors, the Panthers need not have played catch up football all day. But unfortunately an upset never seemed likely even though the thought of such an event was enough for the reasonable sized crowd to cheer home every red and black major as if it was conceivable.

The most pleasing aspect of the game was Eltham's ability to win two of the four quarters. It is a small victory they can take into the weeks coming knowing that if they apply their ability, putting their head over the ball and working together for each other the winning quarters will turn into winning games.

ROUND 10 v Lower Plenty @ Para Road Oval No 2

Selected Team B M Tallack, K Jones, D Brown HB J Orwin, L Richardson, M Martin C D Strickland, M Minney, G Neville HF J Stirton, S Hunter, S Tate F C Moyle, S Kilby, B Strickland R L McCreery, A Contessa, T Richardson I S Strickland, A Mithen, J Mee Changes In K Jones, G Neville, A Mithen. Out L Paul, L Mash (inj), J Hewish.

Result

Sat 21 June	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	3-2-20	4-4-28	8-5-47	12-9-81
Lower Plenty	6-3-39	13-11-89	19-14-128	26-20-176

GoalsSteven Kilby 3, Gavan Neville 3, Simon Hunter, Kalev Jones, Michael Martin, Chris Moyle, Matthew Tallack, Shannon Tate.

BestDavid Brown, Kalev Jones, Mark Minney, Tom Richardson, Lachie Richardson.

Game Summary
If you were lucky enough to miss the game on Saturday against Lower Plenty then you obviously had a little more fun hanging out the clothes, doing the grocery shopping or putting that second coat of paint on in the nursery (some of the jobs I missed by going to the football that I now regret). For as good as the Bears were on their home ground the Panthers were inversely bad. On a small ground mistakes are very costly and to say the Panthers need a lot of fine tuning in this area is stating the bleeding obvious. The boys are starting to let themselves down badly considering their hard work in the first half of the season. The jury is still out on how far the team has progressed this season and it is up to the guys in the team to show a little for ticker. In a milestone game for David Brown, it was a pretty ordinary effort from his team mates. Very disappointing to say the least.

ROUND 9 v North Heidelberg @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team B M Tallack, L Paul, D Brown HB J Orwin, L Richardson, M Martin C D Strickland, M Minney, L Mash HF J Stirton, S Hunter, S Tate F C Moyle, S Kilby, B Strickland R L McCreery, A Contessa, T Richardson I S Strickland, A Mithen, J Mee Changes In B Strickland, J Mee, S Hunter. Out L Ferns (inj), K Jones, G Moriarty.

Michael Martin marks the ball comfortably on his chest in the game against North Heidelberg.

Result

Sat 14 June	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	4-2-26	5-4-34	7-6-48	8-9-57
North Heidelberg	1-3-9	6-12-48	12-15-87	16-26-122

GoalsSteven Kilby 5, Chris Moyle, James Stirton, Brett Strickland.

BestAdam Contessa, Luke Mc Creery, Tom Richardson, Steven Kilby, Lachie Richardson.

ROUND 8 v West Preston Lakeside @ J E Moore Reserve

Selected Team B T Richardson, L Paul, D Strickland HB J Orwin, K Jones, D Brown C J Stirton, M Martin, L Mash HF L Richardson, A Mithen, M Tallack F G Neville, S Kilby, C Moyle R L McCreery, A Contessa, M Minney I S Tate, S Strickland, G Moriarty Changes In S Strickland, G Moriarty. Out C Waddell (inj), L Ferns. Late withdrawal Gavin Neville was a late withdrawal and was replaced by Luke Ferns.

Lloyd Mash flies against West Preston Lakeside as Justin Orwin prepares to crumb.

Result

Sat 31 May	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	2-3-15	5-4-34	8-7-55	12-9-81
West Preston	3-0-18	9-4-58	12-5-77	16-12-108

GoalsChris Moyle 4, Lloyd Mash 3, Steven Kilby, Antony Mithen, Lachie Richardson, Matthew Tallack, Shannon Tate.

BestLuke Mc Creery, Chris Moyle, Lloyd Mash, Tom Richardson, Justin Orwin.

Game Summary
The Eltham Panthers failed to break their J E Moore Park hoodoo against West Preston Lakeside going down by 27 points. In the last five matches Eltham have been bitting at the heals of their seasoned division one opponents but have failed to make the most of their opportunities and win games. The scenario was similar again on Saturday.

The Panthers started with the breeze in the first quarter and found themselves shooting at goal from the dead pocket. Their return of 2-3 had them trailing at the first break as the Roosters shot three times at the big sticks for three majors.

In the second quarter the home team knew into which pocket to lead and found scoring a little easier than the visitors. Big men Steve Kilby and Glenn Moriarty missed relatively easy shots 15 out and the normal dead eye Chris Moyle also pushed his shot from thirty. Meanwhile their opponents used the breeze brilliantly kicking 6 goals and setting up the match winning lead. At the long break the Panthers trailed by four goals.

As the game wore on Eltham started to warm to the task and the possibility of back-to-back victories. Luke McCreery continued his good form in the ruck and Moyle and Mash polished off a lot of good work. But still at the last break the margin was the same.

Midway through the last quarter the boys found themselves still within reach, kicking four goals to two and were only two goals down. But fighting into the wind and against a team pushing for the top four on their home ground playing catch up football against those odds proved too much. The Roosters finished the game with the last two goals and took the 4 premiership points.

ROUND 7 v Greensborough @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team B D Brown, Tom Richardson, L Richardson HB J Orwin, K Jones, D Strickland C M Martin, C Waddell, J Stirton HF S Tate, A Mithen, G Neville F L Paul, S Kilby, L Mash R L McCreery, A Contessa, M Minney I C Moyle, M Tallack, L Ferns Changes In C Moyle, M Tallack. Out A McHugh, C Brincat.

It's a potent midfield with Lach Richardson, Adam Contessa & Mark Minney roving the packs, especially when ruckman Luke McCreery is in form.

Result

Sat 24 May	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	5-6-36	7-8-50	12-11-83	17-14-116
Greensborough	4-0-24	6-4-40	8-7-55	9-7-61

GoalsChris Moyle 4, Gavin Neville 3, Steven Kilby 2, Lloyd Mash 2, Shannon Tate 2, Kalev Jones, Michael Martin, Lucas Paul, Matthew Tallack.

BestDanny Strickland, David Brown, Luke Mc Creery, Cameron Waddell, Justin Orwin.

Game Summary
The Eltham Panthers beat off 26 years of bad history and pushed themselves through another level on Saturday after a relieving win against bottom side Greensborough. It is now unfamiliar territory for the Club as they moved two games and percentage from the relegation stakes and into the pack. Competing and winning in the top division was one of the Club's aims at the start of the year and this goal is starting to be achieved. With a couple of opposition teams in the next two games on the same side of the top four as Eltham, it will be interesting to see if the Club can make a defiant statement to this new company.

In their first victory over Greensborough since 1977, the Eltham team took a while to shake off a determined Green Slime, slowly building a lead as the game wore on. It was not until the last quarter when Boro got tired that Eltham piled on the goals to run out comfortable winners by 55 points.

The Boro forwards looked dangerous early and it was important for the Panthers to control the midfield. This they did which starved the Slime of inside 50's where Eltham were working the ball into their attacking zone more often. The pleasing aspect of the win from Coach Phil Maylin was the evenness of the input from all the players.

The very large crowd was not as vocal as the previous home games against Lower Plenty and Epping. They appeared to be subdued by the magnitude of the game and were anxious as the boys dragged out the kill.

EFC President Dean Philpots was very satisfied with the day and was rapt by the big turn out from the supporters. He trusted that everyone was entertained and that they would come again to Panther Park to watch the lads. He added that the day grossed the Club as much as round one, which if continued would mean ensuring the financial stability of the Club for next season.

ROUND 6 v Montmorency @ Para Road Oval No 1

Selected Team B D Brown, Tom Richardson, L Richardson HB J Orwin, K Jones, D Strickland C M Martin, C Waddell, J Stirton HF S Tate, A Mithen, G Neville F L Paul, S Kilby, L Mash R L McCreery, A Contessa, M Minney I C Brincat, A McHugh, L Ferns Changes In L Richardson, L Paul, M Martin. Out A Dickson, M McPherson, M Tallack (all injured).

Luke Ferns competes in the ruck contest with Adam Contessa & Shannon Tate looking to rove.

Result

Sat 17 May	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	4-4-28	6-4-40	9-4-58	12-6-78
Montmorency	3-3-21	6-7-43	9-11-65	17-15-117

GoalsA Contessa 3, G Neville 3, C Brincat 2, L Mash, L Paul, J Stirton, S Tate.

BestM Martin, M Minney, J Stirton, A Contessa, T Richardson.

Game Summary
The Panthers do not have to win game to be impressive. Once again they took it right up to a top side hoping to play off for the premiership. In fact, 10 minutes into the last quarter Eltham had bridged the 7 point margin at three quarter time and were up by a goal. But Montmorency, playing on their own turf, turned the momentum their way and finished of the game with 7 unanswered goals, 5 in the final eight minutes in the fading light.

It was heartache again for the Eltham supporters as their team looked like causing a huge upset. It was easy to see the relief of the Valley Magpie players hidden amongst their jubilation as they pulled away at the end. By the end of the game they knew this new breed of Panther was no push over.

The Panthers lead at quarter time with their aggressive play at the breakdowns. Gavin Neville provided a great target up forward and Lach Richardson getting straight back into stride in his first game back. At the main break there was only a kick in it with Eltham hitting back late in the quarter after Monty had opened up a two-goal lead. Mark Minney was once again in superb touch and enjoying playing with an equally impressive Adam Contessa. They controlled the centre square breakaways on the back of Luke McCreery's fine ruck work.

What was worrying the Panther supporters after the long break was the absence of destructive forwards Neville and Lucas Paul who had kicked 4 of the 6 Eltham goals up to half time. Both took no further part in the game and were sorely missed. In the third quarter Mick Martin started to win a lot of possession and was the instigator that kept the Panthers in the hunt, and being hunted rather than doing the hunting was something Montmorency players and supporters were not enjoying. Minney and Contessa continued their domination of the breakdowns with help from the busy Jimmy Stirton.

As first noted it was impressive stuff by the Panthers who have proved they can match it with some of the best teams in the competition. What lies ahead is the real deal for the lads. Phil Maylin would be making them all too well aware that they get no premiership points for strong showing, so everything is on the line for them against Greensborough at Eltham Central Park next week, another team the Club has not beaten since 1977. Not that anyone at Pantherland would need reminding.

ROUND 5 v Epping @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team B L Ferns, A Mithen, T Richardson HB M Tallack, K Jones, D Brown C M Minney, J Stirten, D Strickland HF A McHugh, J Orwin, L Mash F L McCreery, C Waddell, M Martin R S Kilby, S Tate, A Contessa I G Neville, M McPherson, A Dickson Changes In G Neville, M McPherson, A Dickson. Out N Peck, C Brincat, G Pittard. Late change - M Martin (ill) withdrew and was replaced by C Brincat.

David Brown looks to move the ball on as Matt Tallack supports.

Result

Sat 10 May	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	2-3-15	4-7-31	8-11-59	12-12-84
Epping	4-0-24	9-2-56	10-3-63	16-5-101

Goals
Gavin Neville 4, Chris Brincat 2, Ash Dickson 2, Steve Kilby 2, Mark Minney, Jimmy Stirten.

Best
Mark Minney, Tom Richardson, Antony Mithen, David Brown, Kalev Jones.

Game Summary
It was an unjust ending to a fantastic game of local football, possibly decided by the blow of the whistle and point of the arm. On three separate occasions in the last quarter unnecessary interruptions to play caused complete frustration and bafflement to the, up to that stage, entertained crowd. The epic climax created from a fighting Eltham team coming from behind and playing all over their highly fancied opposition, was blown to Baghdad deflating the mood of everyone. Even the Epping supporters did not cheer their goals. It would have been too discourteous.

The final margin of 17 points tells the first lie to the true magnitude of the close finish. Down by five points at three quarter time Jim Stirton kicked a great running goal in the first minutes to put Eltham in front for the first time in the game. Eltham had outplayed the Pingers for the entire second half and at this stage it looked as though there was no coming back for the visitors. Mark Minney was backed to his best, Tom Richardson had any loose ball covered in the back half and Antony Mithen was strong across half forward. It is even hard to remember what actually transpired in those last ten minutes. It all seems a bad dream. Could never happen in reality.

The fact is Epping scored five final term goals from free kicks. The dubious deliberate out of bounds and subsequent 25 metre penalty after the Epping team manager intercepted the ball on its way back to the player is something mere words do not do justice. Some people in the crowd actually thought the decision was being reversed because the Epping bench was too close to the playing arena.

The Eltham team looked down and out two goals down with under 10 minutes to go. But like before they got themselves off the floor. Steve Kilby marked strongly and put the boys only five points down. Then only minutes later Gavin Neville, who kicked four, set the ball up in the goal square for a big Ash Dickson fly. He had a lot of it, maybe not enough, the crowd went up as one, but the mark was not paid. Disappointing. But what killed the chook before the axe fell was next. Epping moved the ball quickly from defence to attack to allow a one on one 20 meters out from the Epping goal. It was a regular contest between full forward and full back, 2 minutes from the end of the game, 5 points the margin. Epping could hardly believe their luck after the umpire interfered with the climatic ending. Not only did Bawden goal he also got awarded another free kick as soon as the goal umpires two digits told everyone the size of the field umpires enormous error. To put a positive spin on it at least Bawden did not kick either ball into the Diamond Creek thanks to the large extension of the cyclone fence behind the northern goals, cheers to Eltham Home Hardware and Charlie Bode. Sorry to anyone who may be offended by the remarks in this article.

ROUND 4 v Heidelberg @ Warringal Park

Selected Team
B L Ferns, A Mithen, T Richardson
HB M Tallack, K Jones, D Brown
C M Minney, J Stirten, D Strickland
HF A McHugh, J Orwin, L Mash
F L McCreery, C Waddell, M Martin
R S Kilby, S Tate, A Contessa
I N Peck, C Brincat, G Pittard

Changes
In L McCreery, C Waddell, N Peck (debut).
Out M McPherson (unavailable), G Neville (suspended), S Hunter (injured).

Result

Sat 3 May	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	3-2-20	5-4-34	6-7-43	7-8-50
Heidelberg	5-2-32	8-4-52	10-7-67	14-10-94

Goals
Shannon Tate 3, Adam Contessa, Kalev Jones, Michael Martin, Danny Strickland.

Best
Mark Minney, Tom Richardson, Cameron Waddell, Shannon Tate, Michael Martin.

Game Summary
As the Panther faithful drove out of Warringal Park there was promise of better things to come. That lack of some poise and a key forward to convert some missed opportunities may have changed the course of the afternoon. In the end the score line of 14-10-94 to 7-8-50 was not a true reflection of the evenness of the game and possibly flattered the Tigers.

On the day the Eltham Panthers had plenty of winners but failed to capitalise on most of their opportunities. Continually dropping marks, especially near goals, and making poor decisions let Heidelberg off the hook as Eltham were unable to apply any scoreboard pressure after the first break.

Steve Kilby dominated the ruck and worked tirelessly around the ground, but his kicking is forever frustrating to his supporters (start running past boys). Mark Minney was sensational all day, especially early and proved too much of a handful for the strong Tiger midfield. Mick Martin, who is starting to get into the pace of local football, showed what second and third efforts does to the oppositions confidence.

Shannon Tate was very lively in attack building on his good form from last week. He finished the day with another three majors. Tom Richardson is starting to get back into the swing of things, and along with Lloyd Mash, Tom swept up well across half-back cutting in front of the Tiger forwards with tremendous courage. Justin Orwin also had a reasonable game playing at the difficult half-forward spot.

Kalev Jones is working hard presenting himself all day, getting his hands on plenty of the ball, but he is failing to take a lot of them cleanly. Cameron Waddell stuck to his guns on their sharp shooting full forward and beat him in most aerial contests, but unfortunately for Cam when he gets the ball he does not miss and ended up kicking seven.

The chances were there to cause an upset but the simple skill errors and turnovers plagued the team, and have so for weeks. The tackling pressure and harassment would be pleasing the coach. Having key forwards out of the team is not helping matters so it will be good when they start filtering back.

ROUND 3 v Bundoora @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team
B L Ferns, A Mithen, D Brown
HB M McPherson, S Kilby, M Tallack
C M Martin, M Minney, D Strickland
HF S Tate, K Jones, L Mash
F T Richardson, G Neville, J Stirten
R S Hunter, A Contessa, J Orwin
I A McHugh, G Pittard, C Brincat

Changes
In D Brown, G Neville, C Brincat (debut).
Out C Waddell (unavailable), C Moyle, A Dickson (injured), L McCreery.

Result

Sat 26 April	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	2-2-14	6-4-40	7-5-47	9-6-60
Bundoora	6-1-31	13-3-81	18-5-113	28-9-177

Goals
S Tate 3, S Hunter 2, A McHugh 2, L Mash 2.

ROUND 2 v Northcote Park @ Northcote Cricket Ground

Selected Team
B L Ferns, S Kilby, M Tallack
HB S Tate, A Mithen, M McPherson
C M Minney, A Contessa, D Strickland
HF J Stirten, K Jones, J Orwin
F A McHugh, A Dickson, L Mash
R S Hunter, M Martin, C Moyle
I T Richardson, L McCreery, G Pittard

Changes
In T Richardson, A McHugh, L McCreery, G Pittard.
Out D Brown (wedding), L Paul (suspended), S Strickland, C Waddell (late withdrawal).

Result

Sat 12 April	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	2-0-12	4-2-26	7-5-47	8-6-54
Northcote Park	4-5-29	11-9-75	14-17-101	22-20-152

Goals
M Martin 2, L Mash 2, A Contessa, S Hunter, S Tate, A Dickson.

ROUND 1 v Lower Plenty @ Eltham Central Park

Selected Team
B D Brown, A Mithen, M Tallack
HB L Ferns, L Paul, M McPherson
C L Mash, A Contessa, D Strickland
HF C Waddell, S Kilby, J Orwin
F J Stirten,A Dickson, M Martin
R S Hunter, M Minney, S Tate
I K Jones, S Strickland, C Moyle

Result

Sat 5 April	Q1	Q2	Q3	Final
Eltham	6-3	10-5	11-12	18-14
Lower Plenty	2-6	4-10	10-13	12-14

Goals
Moyle 4, Contessa 3, Mash 3, Stirton 3, Dickson, Martin, Orwin, Strickland