Tara Murray
If Saturday’s match between Point Cook Centrals and Parkside is anything to go by, fans will be in for a treat in the Western Region Football League division 2 finals.
The top of the table clash went down to the final whistle, with Centrals holding on to win 9.7 (61)-8.9 (57).
Centrals coach Dean Chambers said it was just a really good game of football.
“It was a wonderful game,” he said. “The conditions were difficult, but overall the game of football.
“It was hard at the contest and we were lucky to be in front at the end.”
Chambers said the wind favoured one side of the ground, with his side able to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal in the first quarter.
The 15-point lead would be a handy one, with the Centrals soon down a rotation after losing Aaron Diker to a broken arm in the second quarter.
The margin was four points at half time and then nine points the last break, with Parkside not going anywhere.
It meant a few nervous moments in the coaching box for Chambers.
“Full credit to Parkside they kept on hanging around,” he said.
“We were 10 points up with three to four minutes to go and they got one. We were holding on for the last minute and a half.
“Both teams respect each other and we’ll see each other in the finals.”
Jordan Bennett kicked four goals for Centrals and was one of the standouts for his side.
Chambers liked the game of Kawr Ater, while Mitchell Palma also had a good day,
“We had a lot of forwards down on the day,” he said. “There’s still room for improvement.”
The win moves Centrals 12 points clear of Parkside at the top of the table, which just about secures the minor premiership with four rounds remaining.
Chambers said nothing changes between now and finals.
“All it means is we wear blue shorts and get the home rooms in the finals,” he said of the minor premiership.
“We have the double chance and we’ll probably play Parkside in that first week of finals.
“It’s business as usual, we don’t want to flirt with our form. We’ll continue to play a full strength side.
“We’re under no illusions it’s a whole new ball game come finals.”
Centrals’ women’s side also remains undefeated on top of the ladder. Chambers said things continued to build throughout the club.
“There’s a fantastic vibe,” he said. “There’s a really strong connection on and off the ground.”
In other division 2 matches, Glen Orden’s late comeback against Newport fell short, Albion beat North Footscray and Wyndhamvale beat West Footscray.
In division 1, Point Cook got its third win of the season, beating St Albans, 6.15 (51)-7.6 (48).
Hoppers Crossing suffered a shock loss to Yarraville Seddon, while Werribee Districts snuck home against Deer Park.
Altona and Caroline Springs were the other winners.
In division 3, the Suns and Laverton had big wins against Sunshine Heights and Laverton respectively.
