ISN’T Manor Lakes growing up fast in Western Region Football League division 2?
The Storm blew out a single candle on its birthday cake only last Wednesday yet is already a sensation.
Three days after that milestone, the toddlers of the competition
brought down powerhouse Parkside by 27 points in a qualifying final
shock at Chirnside Park on Saturday.
PICTURE GALLERY: Manor Lakes v Parkside
DIVISION 1: Finals form guide
Storm president Gary Sheppard said it was a landmark day for the west’s newest football club.
“We got incorporated on August 14, so it’s a great birthday
present,” he said. “When you can win your first final like that against
quality opposition, it speaks volumes for the boys and what they did
today.
“They kept their best footy for the finals.
“It was just an awesome win – it’s going to set the club up for a long time.”
The Storm made an almost perfect start to the match, leading by 15 points at quarter time.
It could have had a bigger buffer had it not been for a return of 3.5 from eight scoring shots.
“To come out and kick the first couple really set the scene for the rest of the game,” Sheppard said.
In the third term, the Storm piled on six goals to one to lead by 40 at the last change.
The Storm conceded just four goals in the opening three quarters
and attacked with purpose in a complete performance in which it was down
to two on the bench.
“To beat a quality side like that in the way that we did with a
couple of injuries, it tells me a lot about the group of players that
we’ve got,” Sheppard said.
“We were playing our second team. A lot of people were talking up
Parkside, that they’ll win the flag this year and they’ve beaten
Glenorden … it was a fantastic result.”
Ruckman Andrew Heyde was the clear standout for the Storm.
He give his side first use of the ball and ventured forward to kick two telling goals.
“His game was enormous for us,” Sheppard said.
“For a big guy, what he can do with the football and around the ground blows everyone away.”
Charles Hunter was brilliant floating across half-back, Justin
Palmer never stopped running on the wing and Matthew Kozole booted four
goals.
The most celebrated goal was that of full forward Ty Priest, who brought up his 100th goal for the season.
“He needed the one goal and it took him ’til the last quarter to get it,” Sheppard said.
“He was well held for the majority of the game … that’s quality
backmen for you. But he finally got loose and got onto one in the last
quarter and slotted it.
“The supporters all ran onto the ground and got around him.
“It was a relief for him – he said he felt like the weight of the world was taken off his shoulders when he kicked it.”
Shayne Killender was praised for shutting out Parkside’s dangerous onballer Chris Muratore.
The Storm will move on to face Glenorden in the second semi-final
at Crofts Reserve on Saturday for the right to a direct passage to the
grand final.
The Magpies will cash in their double chance by facing Wyndhamvale in the first semi-final.
