IT’S not true that you need to undergo a medical examination to become a Mordialloc supporter, but it would probably be a good idea.
For the fourth time in five weeks, and for the sixth time this season, the Bloods subjected their faithful to a heart-stopping finish, with less than a kick separating victory from defeat.
This time it was defeat when East Malvern stole a three-point victory, and more importantly, the coveted double chance in Southern Football League division one, from the Bloods on Saturday at Ben Kavanagh Reserve, winning 12.8 (80) to 12.5 (77).
After trailing by 25 points at one stage, the Panthers’ recovery was led by skilful forward Michael Cooke, who capped a best-on-ground display with five goals.
“Cookie was outstanding for us,” East Malvern coach Justin Cowell said after the game.
“He missed another four goals and could easily have finished with nine.”
Cowell was thrilled with the victory, which puts the Panthers in the box seat for the double chance come finals time.
“We’re excited by the prospects of the double chance but there are still two games to go and it will go down to the wire.
“If we had lost this game, we would have been two games away, so it was crucial for us.
“It’s the biggest game I’ve been involved with in my time at the club,” Cowell added.
Cowell pointed to his players’ aggression at the ball as a feature of the victory.
“Both sides were hard at it and it was a cracking game,” he said.
“I was really pleased with our pressure and intensity. Our back six was magnificent and our on-ballers were terrific.”
Ralph Sadler did a great job on Mordi danger man James Morris, while Will Sadler was rock-solid at centre half back for the winners.
Matt Terech rucked solo for the Panthers in a big-hearted effort, while strong on-baller Jessie Finnen continued to work his way into top form.
For the Bloods, Josh Jewell and Anthony Scafidi were prominent all day, along with the busy Carey Neville and midfielder Joel Waters.
And just for the record, Mordialloc’s record for the past five games has been: a one-point win, 40-point win, one-point loss, three-point win, three-point loss.
To read the full Leader article click HERE.
To listen to the radio team's call of the Match of the Day between Division 2 heavyweights Oakleigh District and Murrumbeena click HERE.
As always, Wiz, Coutta and the Bug wrapped up a big weekend of footy and netball on the Sunday Football Netball Show. Listen to their show HERE. 
