Tara Murray
Hillside’s late charge at finals in the Essendon District Football League division 1 hit a roadblock on Saturday.
The Sharks almost caused a second upset win in three weeks with the result to throw the finals race wide open.
But instead they are left to think what might have been after the loss to Westmeadows.
The Sharks had control of the match early on and led by 25 points at quarter time with the margin out to 42 points at half time.
The Tigers though have been known for their second halves and showed exactly why.
Six goals in the third quarter reduced the margin to just 11 points at the final break.
The Tigers kicked the first three goals of the last quarter to hit the lead by nine points. A Josh Covelli goal would bring the Sharks back into the game, with the margin back to three points.
The Tigers would kick the final goal of the game to seal a 13.10 (88)-12.7 (79) win.
Covelli starred for the Sharks kicking eight goals. Covelli now has 63 goals for the season.
Lachlan Pettigrove and Jackson Volpato were also among the Sharks best.
The result means the Sharks are now two games outside the top four in seventh spot.
Meanwhile in division 2, Burnside Heights is one step closer to returning to the finals.
After a come from behind draw against Taylors Lakes the first time the two teams played, the Bears were able to come away with the full four points this time.
It was a low scoring match, with the Bears leading at every break by less than a goal.
The Bears kicked 3.5 in the final quarter to one goal, to get the 9.11 (65)-6.9 (45) win.
Adam Sullivan kicked three goals for the Bears.
Claudio Campos, Sullivan and Declan Highgate were the Bears best.
With three rounds to go, the Bears sit in third spot. A win this week against ladder leaders Keilor Park would be enough to ensure the club’s second finals appearance.
In the women’s premier division. Hillside fell agonisingly short of ending Moonee Valley’s finals hopes.
The Sharks, who have had an up and down season, led early before falling just short, 5.8 (38)-5.4 (34).
Emily Paterno kicked three goals for the Sharks. Annie Gray and Ebony Wilkie were named their best.
The tough season for Burnside Heights continued against Aberfeldie.
Abers got the jump early with four goals to nil in the first quarter. The Bears won the second quarter, but after half time it was all Abers as they won, 12.7 (79)-2.4 (16).
The Sharks and Bears will face each other on Saturday in the final round of the season. The Bears won the first encounter between the two teams.
