Tara Murray
Point Cook Centrals capped off an emotional day with its first win against Point Cook in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
The Sharks honoured Jeff Butcher, who had been a coach, committee member and supporter of the club, who died during the week after his battle with Melanoma.
His children were part of the match day preparations, joining the boys in the rooms before and after the game.
Sharks coach Dean Chambers said it was a pretty big day for the club and the result was the icing on the cake.
“From a football point of view, it was played in really good spirit,” he said. “It was a last man standing pretty much.
“It was a dour fight and we won the community cup for the first time.”
The Sharks led at quarter time and it was just three points at both half time and three quarter time.
The Sharks kicked three goals to one in the final quarter to seal the 10.10 (70)-8.5 (53).
Chambers said the game opened up after half time.
“It was scrappy early on before it opened up and we were able to use the space on the open ground,” he said.
“The last half of the last quarter we took control. Point Cook was fantastic and pretty much at full strength.
“Our inaccuracy kept them in it, but they did miss some as well.”
Mark Galea kicked three goals while Daniel Strnak kicked two.
Chambers said Joshua Grech down back was really good, while Pele Manivong also had a strong game.
He was full of praise for Max Pritchard who had a breakout game in the ruck playing against
Daniel Burton and Paul Tsapatolis.
For the Bulldogs Lochlan Allen was the only multiple goalkicker with three goals.
Austin Hodge and Simon Deery were named their best.
Chambers said having the two local Point Cook teams in the one competition was good for football in the area and they hoped it’s a rivalry that they can build over the years. He said there had been a big crowd in attendance.
The win was the Sharks second for the season and moves it into fifth spot, just percentage outside the top four.
Chambers said the competition was a lot closer this season. It’s the Sharks second season in the top flight.
“If you’re 10 per cent off you will get beaten,” he said. “For us it was a three to four year plan and last season there were a lot of tight games we were on the wrong side of.
“Maybe someone was looking down on us on Saturday as we won a close one.
“We’ve built some depth with 20 new faces in the seniors and reserves.”
The Sharks this week face Hoppers Crossing, the only team without a win so far.
On Saturday, the Warriors lost to Yarraville Seddon.
In other results, Werribee Districts was pushed by Parkside, but game away with an eight point win.
