Myrtleford co-coach Terry Burgess has compared Wodonga Raiders’ wizard Brodie Filo with the league’s greats of the past 35 years.
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Filo was sensational, kicking three goals and setting up a host of others, in Saturday’s 21.18 (144) to 4.10 (34) win.
“Look, he would have to be up there with some of the best,” the 1983 Morris medallist said.
“On his day he has the ability to have a massive impact on the game with very few touches.
“Those sort of players aren’t easy to find and, more importantly, they’re harder to defend, so you rely on help from others, but he’s certainly a game-breaker.”
The 28-year-old Bendigo and Northern Territory medallist had a game-high 31 possessions, but it was his two second quarter goals which provided the highlights in the slippery conditions.
Filo slid on his knees at the 20-minute mark, but was still able to regain his feet and land a 35m snap off one step.
Seven minutes later, he picked the ball up and kicked around his body for another beauty.
Regarded as a flashy team for much of coach Daryn Cresswell’s four-year term, the players have added grit.
It’s hard to believe, in those wet conditions, Raiders could have racked up a three-figure win last year.
“You go back six weeks when Albury and ‘Wang’ beat us, I sort of walked away with a smile on my face because … we never gave up, whereas in past years we probably would have,” Cresswell said.
“They (the players) understand now more than they’ve ever done, the style of footy we want to play.”
Raiders had 11 goalkickers and they’re more damaging, averaging 115 points per game.
In the 2017 regular season, the club averaged 87, so they’re kicking almost five goals more.
Along with Filo, the club’s other superstar – Jydon Neagle – also finished with three goals, taking a series of strong marks in his 25 possessions.
The form of wingman Jackson Kelly (22 disposals) will also cause opposition clubs to devise a plan as his pace continues to have an impact.
Lachie Flagg was the game’s leading goalkicker with four.
Myrtleford captain Matt Dussin (25 touches) was again superb and you get the impression if the club had won more than the four games, he could shine in the Morris Medal.
Youngster Darcy Chellew (16 disposals) also featured.
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