In what was a disappointing way to end the regular season, our senior side was denied the opportunity of a final serious hit-out before the semi-finals when the visiting Melbourne Unicorns were forced to forfeit due to insufficient players. Nonetheless, a practice match was quickly arranged and provided plenty of entertainment for a strong home crowd on a beautiful afternoon.
Finishing as Minor Premiers, Eltham recorded nine wins, two losses, and four wins by forfeit in the 15-game Conference season. After an early wake-up call with a first-round defeat to Monash, the team responded with a string of impressive victories — from runaway wins to last-minute, get-out-of-jail triumphs — before suffering only their second loss of the season at Casey in Round 13.
Perhaps the biggest challenge for the coaching staff this year has been ensuring game time for every player in a large roster, with more than 50 registered. The spirit and camaraderie of the squad has been on full display, with non-selected players regularly turning up to training and matches to cheer on their teammates.
Next stop: the semi-finals at Brimbank on 23 August, where Eltham will face Bendigo in a knockout clash for a place in the Grand Final at Box Hill the following week.
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