Hillside is firing at the right time of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season and has earned itself two shots at the grand final.
After securing third spot in the final round, the Sharks played West Coburg in the qualifying final on Saturday.
It was West Coburg that led at quarter time by three points, before the Sharks led by 16 points at the main break.
That margin extended to four goals heading into the final change.
While West Coburg came late, the Sharks were able to do enough to hold on to win, 13.14 (92)-12.8 (80).
Sharks coach Mo Kaakour said while there were some nerves late they were happy with the win.
“It was nice to play a good consistent four quarters,” he said. “We put our best footy together yesterday [Saturday].
“The last couple of weeks for us has been really good and we’ve had some strong performances late in the season.”
Kaakour said they studied the match between Oak Park and West Coburg to see how they could get an advantage.
He said the start was crucial.
“We looked to come out of the blocks and get the momentum going,” he said. “We were hoping to stay in the game for as long as we could and in front at the final siren.”
Kaakour said West Coburg had some good patches of footy especially late in the game.
He said their ability to pressure the ball carrier and defensive running patterns were the key to setting up the lead.
“They gave us a scare late in the game, that is for sure,” he said. “All the instructions got louder.”
Josh Covelli kicked four goals for the Sharks, with Kaakour thinking he was their best as he proved a key target.
Robbie Castello and Noah Asciak were other standouts for the Sharks.
The Sharks now face Oak Park for a spot in the grand final.
“It’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I thought we were thereabouts round one and they pipped us and we weren’t playing our best footy.
“Round 10 we wasted some opportunities going inside 50. Their connection with mids and forwards was the difference.”
“We’re looking forward to it.”
The Sharks reserves will play Taylors Lakes for a spot in the grand final as well.
West Coburg will now face Craigieburn in the knock out semi final after the Eagles beat Avondale Heights in an elimination final on Sunday.
