For the second time in as many weeks, Old Eltham Collegians trailed at the end of the first three quarters and then overran their opponents to win, this time against Epping by two points in their Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 clash at Epping Recreation Reserve.

The Turtles were seven points adrift at the last change, but booted four goals to two in the final term to claim the 11.8 (74) to 9.18 (72) result.

It marks a great start for Matthew Sleeman’s men with narrow wins against flag hopefuls.

The two combatants could not have had more different lead-ins to the contest. The Blues played on Good Friday against Lalor, and then had the week off, while Old Eltham Collegians played the 2023 grand finalists in Mernda last week.

While it was unclear which preparation for the game should have been better, Epping were the ones to have the edge early, leading by 10 points following a fast and furious opening term.

Scoring dried up in the second term, but Brad Hollow’s men continued to hold sway with a two-goal to one effort to lead by 17 points at the main break.  The lead could’ve been greater as two of their shots on goal were touched right on the goal line.

Daniel Rakhlin proved to be a great target for the home side, going on to kick three first half majors, while Brent Macaffer and Nicholas Milne were helping the Turtles stay in touch, with Milne finishing off his work with a set shot goal.

Matthew Williamson was quiet early, but came to life in the third term and helped spark a Turtle revival. He slotted two majors and was assisted by midfielder Paul Vidinopoulos who drifted forward to kick another goal late in the term.

Epping’s solitary goal for the term came from Alec Buchan, as his team’s 17-point half time lead had been cut to seven by three quarter time.

Old Eltham Collegians coach Matthew Sleeman told his players that their tough pre-season would help them finish well in the last quarter.  He urged his players to move the ball quickly, but also to run back hard when the opposition won the ball back.

Goals came quickly in the final term, with Kieran Malone marking near the behind post and nailing the shot to bring the Turtles to within a point.

Soon after, the Blues slammed on two quick goals to gain what looked to be a decisive 13-point break. Luke Lirosi kicked his second followed by Alec Buchan booting his third after taking arguably the mark of the day.

But it would prove to be the last goal the home side would kick.

Old Eltham Collegians would manage another three, highlighted by Brent Macaffer who split the middle with a set shot, before Malone kicked his third at the 22-minute mark of the quarter, giving  Old Eltham Collegians the lead for the first time in the match.

The Blues attacked relentlessly for the latter part of the game, however they could only manage behinds, one of which was a poster.

They would create one more chance late, as Jordan Hollow had a set shot after the siren from roughly 50-metres out on the boundary, but it rushed through for a behind, leaving the hosts two points short of victory.

“Happy to start with two wins against good opposition,” Old Eltham Collegians coach Matt Sleeman said.

“We can now refresh with the bye coming up.”

Sleeman loved the tireless work of Sean Leerson who rucked all day and produced a specky of his own during the match.

In the other change rooms, Epping coach Brad Hollow lamented some missed chances and skill errors.

“We were very good for three quarters, but gave them an opportunity in the last,” he said.

Hollow liked the work of James Tadd in the middle as well as inclusion Corey Middleton. Sebastian Latina, Michael Gillard, Adrian Cirianni and captain Leigh Judd also impressed for the Blues.

By Doug Long