By Tara Murray
Hillside is on the board in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition, after a tough few weeks to start the season.
Missing eight of their best 12 players, the Sharks have been tested early on against three fellow finalists from last season.
On Saturday, it was another challenge against an Avondale Heights side that had been more than competitive after dropping down into division 1.
The Sharks were able to put out their best four quarter performance of the season to get the job done, 10.16 (76)-6.12 (48).
Sharks coach Mo Kaakour was a relieved man to get some reward for effort.
“It’s nice to finally get the win, the boys have worked hard,” he said. ‘“We stuck to the game plan and we got rewarded.
“The boys have worked hard and had a big pre-season. We’ve played four of the better sides in the first four rounds.
“We hadn’t been blown out of the water. It was nice to get one.”
The Sharks led by 19 points at quarter time and then trailed by a point at the main break.
After half time, the Sharks kicked six goals to two to seal the win.
Kaakour said the difference was playing four quarters of good football. He said the focus this week had been to bring the energy and intent defensively.
“Defensively to keep Avondale Heights to just six goals when they had been hitting the scoreboard was really good,” he said.
“Our defensive pressure was good. The boys brought into the defensive structure.”
James McNaughton kicked four goals while Robbie Castello and Josh Covelli kicked two goals each.
Kaakour said Castello put his hand up to run through the middle of the ground to provide some leadership.
“He had 35 possessions,” he said. “At 39 years of age and still playing his part like that is pretty inspiring.”
Khalil Kaakour, who is coming off two league under-18 best and fairests, also moved into the middle as they tried to mix it up.
Mo Kaakour said they had given jobs to Noah Asciak, Nick Fluke and Milad Almatrah and all three stood up strongly defensively.
For the Sharks, they’re hoping it will kick start their season. Kakkour said the focus for them was to make sure that they are competitive in every game.
Kakkour said Jackson Mcmenamin and Riley Miksa would hopefully return in the next couple of weeks after long term injuries, while they would get more guys back in the next three to four weeks.
“We have been struggling in terms of soldiers,” Kaakour said. “The guys that have been coming in have been playing a role.”
The Sharks face Tullamarine this Saturday. The Demons are coming off their first win of the season.
In division 2, Burnside Heights lost to Keilor Park, 15.10 (100)-12.10 (82) after scores were level at three quarter time.
Jordan Hughes, Antonio Vitalone and Dylan Payne were named the Bears best.
