PARKSIDE HITS BACK, LAKERS MOVE INTO SECOND
By Connor Pain |
Parkside recorded its first win in more than a month with a comfortable 40-point victory over Point Cook at Merv Hughes Oval in Round 10.
As they’ve often been this season, the Magpies were dominate early, with a six-goal opening quarter seeing them gain a healthy buffer before entering the main break ahead by 43 points.
On the back of a strong defensive performance, conceding just two goals in the first two quarters, the home side were then able to control the contest for the final two terms with the final score 14.7 (91) to 7.9 (51).
The win lifts Parkside into fifth place on the ladder ahead of an outing with Spotswood, while the Bulldogs take on Altona who return from the bye.
Caroline Springs has moved into second spot with a half-game lead over Yarraville Seddon thanks to a narrow five-point win against the Eagles on Saturday.
Lakers coach Brian Lake returned to boot a game-high seven majors, with the result another sign that his side is a genuine premiership contender following their draw with Werribee Districts’ a week earlier.
The goals came early for Caroline Springs in each of the first two terms before the hosts hit back on both occasions, closing the margin to a point at quarter-time before the difference was seven points at halftime.
The restart and second half played out much like the first with the visitors maintaining a slender advantage as the Eagles, led by Michael Selsby, fought gallantly to gain the ascendancy.
In the end the Lakers secured victory 10.11 (71) to 10.6 (66).
Both sides face further challenges next up with Caroline Springs hosting an in-form Hoppers Crossing, while Yarraville Seddon face league leaders Werribee Districts away from home.
Werribee Districts had no issues against Point Cook Centrals posting a comprehensive 86-point win at Windorah Way Reserve.
A slow start did little to deter the reigning premiers as they booted 14 goals to two after the first break and ran out 17.20 (122) to 4.12 (36) victors.
Michael Luxford bagged a season-best four goals with Jack Fletcher kicking three majors for the second time in 2024.
The Sharks are now winless in their past six outings ahead of a bye this coming weekend.
Hoppers Crossing are now two games clear in fourth position after a fifth consecutive win, their 14.17 (101) to 14.4 (88) triumph over Spotswood putting a significant gap between them and the chasing pack.
It was far from easy for the hosts, trailing at the first two breaks they needed every one of their nine second-half goals as they turned an 11-point halftime deficit into a 13-point win.
VFL-experienced pair Josh Pickess and Harry Maguire (four goals) starred for the Warriors with Jack Charleston and Charlie Barnes again amongst the best for the Woodsmen.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Hoppers Crossing who were winless after four games but now sit comfortably in the finals picture under first year coach Jared Polec.
Spotswood will aim to peg back the gap on the ladder and end a three-game slide when they host Parkside in Round 11.