THOMASTOWN and South Morang scored big wins last Saturday, but the biggest headline was Parkside’s maiden 2014 win in Round 16 action of Division 3.
The Devils appeared headed for a winless season in this year, but caused a huge upset by toppling finals’ aspirant St Mary’s by three points at Pitcher Park.
Renowned as fast starters who had struggled late in games, the Devils finished strongly to turn a 13-point deficit at the last change into a thrilling three-point win.
“It was like we won a Grand Final, that’s what the feeling was like,” beamed Parkside coach George Lattouf when discussing the win.
Recent recruit Corey Salvador booted four goals for the victors, while lively forward Jason Cousins assisted with three of his own. Around the ground, the Devil players worked hard to pressure their opponents and restrict their smooth-flowing ball movement.
Conversely, the St Mary’s team was slightly weaker with young guns John Desmond, Nicholas Dean and Nicholas Gedge all returning to the under-19s in order to qualify for finals.
Despite those omissions, Burra coach Con Borg would have been bitterly disappointed to drop this game, with St Mary’s finals hopes now looking dashed.
“Parkside deserved to win,” Borg noted. “They outworked us and wanted it more.”
On a positive note, Liam O’Donnell was an excellent forward target with five goals.
Thomastown was a big winner in the top of the table clash with Reservoir at Main Street Reserve. The Mustangs challenged the Bears and made several runs at them, but Thomastown surged clear in the second half.
Up forward, Osama Saad surprised by being the Bears’ top goal kicker on the day with six. He had only booted four for the season prior to the game. Saad was well supported by Chris Leo and Jacob Osei-Duro who each kicked four majors.
Vice-captain David Folino was among the best – and has been for the past eight matches.
For the Mustangs, Joel Buckley returned to his early season form, while Brent Lovett put in his best game for the season.
Given the fact that their reserves won by eight goals, coach Ross Terranova may field a different line-up when the teams meet in the finals, most likely first-up in the second semi final.
Heidelberg West lost its chance to move into the top four when it lost by 72 points to South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. The Lions were in control all day, but powered away in the final term with eight goals to one.
Coach Craig Lambert was forced to make several changes to his team due to injury.
Lion under-19 player Daniel Watson – who was named in the 2013 Division 2 Team of the Year – snagged four majors in his first senior game for the season, while reserves player Daniel Berryman made the most of his promotion by being named in the best.
“The players that came in really stood up and are making it hard for selection week to week,” Lambert said, clearly pleased with the form of his inclusions.
The Hawks suffered injuries late in the game and were unable to stop the Lion onslaught. “But all credit to South Morang, they played very well,” Hawks coach Derek Shaw said.
South Morang now goes to the bye and then have two matches in which to tune up for its first finals appearance since 2011.
In Round 17 of Division 3, Watsonia comes off the bye to host Parkside at A.K. Lines Reserve. The Saints have all but clinched fourth place after recent results fell their way, but would like a win to give them confidence leading into the finals.
Parkside can approach the game with renewed vigour after its surprise win over St Mary’s. But previous meetings this year have resulted in blow-out wins to the Saints.
Reservoir would be keen to get straight back on the winners’ list when it hosts Heidelberg West at Crispe Park. While its double chance is still intact, the Mustangs will need to find something extra to match Thomastown in the finals.
The Hawks are likely to need upset wins against the top two teams in its last two games to make finals. But their previous meetings resulted in 61 and 46-point wins to the Mustangs.
St Mary’s hosts ladder leaders Thomastown at Whatmough Park for the Paul Hopper Cup. The Bears will be strong favourites despite being pushed all the way by the Burra in their Round 7 clash.
