There were plenty of smiles as Point Cook Centrals got its second win on the board in the Western Football League division 1.
After winning in round one, it had been a long time between drinks for the Sharks in what has been a challenging year result wise.
On Saturday, they were able to get the job done against Sunshine, 7.11 (53)-5.11 (41).
Sharks coach Dean Chambers said it was nice to see the smiles on the faces of the playing group after the game.
“It was a bit of a relief for the boys’ efforts,” he said. “They keep showing up and personnel wise we don’t have a lot of A-listers.
“We’re playing the kids. There’s three kids that are still eligible to play 18s and full credit to them.
“They could take the easy option and go back and play with their friends, but they want to play the better standard of football which is good.”
Chambers said Saturday’s game was anything but pretty and not one that you could go back and watch again.
He said the wind proved tricky for both sides at times.
The Sharks led all day after starting the match 29-0 in the first quarter when they had the wind.
“It was a scrap and a contested game,” he said. “It was stoppage after stoppage.
“The first quarter set it up and I could then coach to look to nullify them.
“Speaking to a few Sunshine people, they are in a similar position to us, just playing the kids.”
Mitchell Palma kicked three goals and was named the Sharks best.
Kwar Ater, Lachlan Grant and Nathan Williams were other standouts.
Chambers, who has already made the call not to continue on next season, said they were looking at the big picture for the rest of this season.
“Our focus is around our efforts in the game and training standards to launch into 2026,” he said.
“The experience of blooding some players is really good and it will take some time.
“We’re not so focused on the scoreboard and it’s about processes and playing the game we want and having small wins.
“There’s green shoots and it’s looking positive.”
The Sharks face Albion this Saturday.
While the Sharks beat them in round one, Chambers knows it will be a challenge.
“It’s hard to beat Albion at Albion,” he said.
In other results, Hoppers Crossing suffered an upset loss to Newport, 11.3 (69)-7.21 (63).
Klyde Milroy, Callum Buckingham and Kane Hynes were the Warriors best.
Werribee Districts snuck home against Spotswood, 10.14 (74)-8.13 (61).
Daniel Schibeci, Ben McMahon and Lachlan Rainbow were named the Tigers best.
Point Cook wasn’t able to get over the line against Parkside, losing 10.13 (73)-7.9 (51).
Jock Coates, Lochlan Allen and Cameron Kizan were the Bulldogs best.
In division 2, Wyndhamvale returned to the winners list against Laverton, the Suns beat Albanvale and Braybrook beat Tarneit.
