Hillside kept its chances of finishing on top of the Essendon District Football League division one table alive following a smashing 57-point triumph over Westmeadows at Willowbrook Reserve on Saturday.
With a howling wind to one end, home team Westmeadows had the first chance to take advantage and, while it created plenty of opportunities, it could manage just 2.6.
While Hillside kicked just one goal in the opening term, it took chances in the second quarter with a blistering 15 minutes of football that turned the game on its head.
The Sharks kicked six goals in 10 minutes, and 10 for the quarter to turn a nine-point deficit into a 36-point lead at half-time.
Westmeadows had no answer through the middle of the ground, and its young line-up was given a lesson by a finals-ready side as the Sharks kicked five goals into the wind in the third to ensure the win – and four premiership points – was safe.
Five goals to Brandon Coletta was the highlight of the day, while Julian Hemala and Victor Micallef were also strong contributors.
The 16.17 (113)-7.14 (56) win has Hillside sitting alongside Glenroy and Tullamarine on 10 wins for the season, with this weekend’s clash against Glenroy a good chance of deciding the minor premiership.
In division two, Burnside Heights was made to pay for a diabolical opening quarter against Moonee Valley as it went down by 29 points.
The Burnside Bears failed to trouble the scorers in the first term, while at the other end the home side piled on 7.7 to set up what would prove to be a match-winning lead.
The game swung wildly with whoever had the wind, as the Bears kicked five goals to two in the second term, but again fell behind when the hosts had the wind in the third as they kicked six goals to one.
Ultimately the home side was able to make better use of the wind when its turn came and it took the four points, 17.11 (113)-11.18 (84).
