By Tara Murray
The momentum is growing for Hillside as it now finds itself cemented in the Essendon District Football League division 1 top five.
After dropping their first three games, the Sharks have won their last five and are now one of the form teams of the competition.
Coach Mo Kaakour is pretty pleased with the turnaround and where they were sitting.
“We’re starting to find that chemistry and connection,” he said. “There’s synergy and the boys are playing well at the moment.
“We’re quite happy and would have taken a 5-3 start at the start of the season with the players we have got out.
“We’ll look to get them back into the side and we will get stronger and stronger.”
Kaakour said they were still missing six players who played a lot of senior football last season.
He said most would come back into the side in the next three to four weeks.
Fort Caruso, who was late withdrawal in the Sharks win against Craigieburn, Anthony Prestia, skipper Zac Wunhym, Lachie Henson, Mitch Hearne and Mohammed Yassine are among those who will return for the Sharks.
“They will come in and play roles,” Kaakour said. “We’re looking OK at the moment.”
The Sharks entered the bye with a hard fought win against Craigieburn.
It was a close first half before the Sharks kicked 10 goals to three in the second half to win, 15.15 (105)-7.9 (51).
“Craigieburn are a good young side,” Kaakour said. “We knew what they were going to bring.
“They kicked the first goal of the third quarter and put the pressure on and created some turnovers.
“The boys started to settle and win the ball between the arcs. The connection between the mids and forward was working well.
“The work we’re putting in at training is coming to fruition.”
The Sharks sit in third spot, two games off top spot and a a game off second. Avondale Heights is on the same amount of points.
There was a competition bye due to the long weekend and Kaakour said it came at a good time for his side.
The Sharks were given Tuesday night off before the long weekend to give them a chance to get away from the club after a big first eight games.
The challenges continue this week for the Sharks as they face Taylors Lakes.
The Lions have four wins for the season, their first season back in division 1.
It’s the first time the two teams have played each other in a few years having been in different divisions.
“The local rivalry,” Kaakour said. “They’ve got themselves up there.
“It will be good to lock horns again. They are in a good spot and we’ll look to play some good footy in what will be a tough contest.
