WODONGA Raiders coach Daryn Cresswell says his side doesn’t deserve to play finals after dropping out of the top five with their one-point loss to Myrtleford on Saturday.
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The Raiders led by 44 points at half-time but could manage just three goals after the break as Jarrod Hayse sealed a 11.8 (74) to 11.7 (73) victory for the Saints with a kick after the siren at Birallee Park.
The loss means the Raiders must defeat North Albury next week and hope arch-rival Wodonga can bring down fifth-placed Wangaratta in order to play finals.
But Cresswell said his team isn’t worthy of a place in the top-five, despite Wangaratta Rovers co-coach Sam Carpenter saying last week they could “do some damage” if they made it.
“You have to earn the right to play finals,” he said.
“This year, our best has been really good and our poor has been really bad.
“We didn’t deserve to win and we don’t deserve to play finals.”
The Raiders started superbly, with Steve Jolliffe, Tyler Cornish and Matt McDonald dominating in the midfield as the home side opened up a 37-point quarter-time lead.
The Raiders extended that break to 44 points at half-time after a dour second term before the Saints clicked into gear in the third quarter on the back of inspirational co-coach Brad Murray.
Murray, Mitch Dalbosco and Callum Crisp, who took four marks and kicked two goals in a purple patch, ran hot as the Saints went man-on-man to claw their way back into the contest.
The Saints drew level four minutes into the last quarter but looked gone as goals to Jack Di Mizio and Adam Flagg put the Raiders 12 points clear.
But these Saints never give up.
Fraser Lucas made the most of a costly Raiders turnover with two minutes remaining before Hayse put the Saints in front for the first time all day after the final siren for their first win at Birallee Park since 2007.
“It comes down to belief and believing we could get over the line,” Saints co-coach Leigh Corcoran said.
“We spoke about the desire for the outcome we wanted today, it had to be greater than theirs.
“We knew they really wanted because of their position on the ladder.
“It came down to one point of desire.
“Sides have really challenged us and wanted to knock us off in the last three weeks and we’re really pleased we’ve been able to stand strong and get the outcomes we wanted.”