HILLSIDE triumphed with a 38-point win over local rival Taylors Lakes on Good Friday.
But the final score line didn’t reflect the tight-knit, atmospheric and exciting affair that the two sides were able to muster up.
Catching Hillside off-guard, Taylors Lakes started the game off in a dominant fashion, proving to be the hungrier side as they went into the quarter time break 14 points to the good.
The Sharks were able to work their way back into the game with a composed and patient approach.
However the Lions’ prolific midfield spread, led by Adrian Crawford, Luke Hodgkin and James Vistarini, allowed them to persistently fight back and keep themselves in the contest, finishing the first half only down by a point.
Rory Alexander put his marking prowess on show over the course of the game, though his conversion rate in front of goal was below standard.
Jackson Wright proved to be a headache for young Hillside forward Brandon Coletta, putting on immense amount of pressure in several one-on-one contests.
However, Coletta kept himself busy and still prevailed to lead the goal tally as he booted five influential goals for his team.
Hutchison Medallist James Micallef led the clearance count for the Sharks, showing his class and intent with the football going inside 50.
Injuries forced Hillside to scrape through with their rotations as reserve-selected Harry Charters filled the void of a last minute warm-up injury to starting Hillside ruckman Lachlan Rayner, and Peter Maglogiannis was ruled out at half time with a suspected broken thumb.
The last quarter belonged to Hillside, as they ran away slotting six goals into the Lions’ clubroom end, quietening the loud and passionate home Taylors Lakes support.
The Sharks will strive to maintain their unbeaten form this Saturday against East Keilor, while Taylors Lakes is still yet hit the board.
The Lions will hope to do so against a strong Tullamarine outfit.
TAYLORS LAKES 12.10-82
Goal Kickers: Not provided
Best Players: Not provided
HILLSIDE 18.12-120
Goal Kickers: B. Coletta 5, J. Sinclair 3, A. Papazoglou 2, V. Micallef 2, J. Micallef 2, M. Patane, S. Nason, J. Volpato, J. Burns
Best Players: J. Micallef, L. Johnstone, R. Deppeler, J. Bonnici, J. Sinclair, B. Ferraro
