GLENORDEN got its defensive match-ups spot on to strangle the life out of West Footscray in Western Region Football League division 2 at Heathdale Oval on Saturday.
The Hawks restricted the usually free-scoring visitors to three goals in 120 minutes of football as they recorded a 50-point win.
It was the Hawks’ fourth win in succession and one that further cements their position in the top five.
Click on the image below for our gallery of the game.
Hawks coach Nick Diker told the Weekly it was no mean feat shutting down the Roosters’ attack.
“I was quite nervous going into the game. They’re a good team with a lot of attacking weapons. It was the first time this year we’ve had our best six on the park together and it shows on the scoreboard,” he said.
Ryan Walker had the responsibility of nullifying the competition’s leading goalkicker Lindon Harris.
Walker kept him goalless and secured best-on-ground honours.
“He would not give him more than a metre all day,” Diker said.
Adem Bektash was close checking on the dangerous Matthew Montebello.
With the two main arteries to goal clogged up the Roosters could manage only 12 scoring shots.
The Hawks nearly doubled that, making use of hard work through the midfield by onballers Nathan Addamo and Matthew Antonello, who feasted on silver service from ruckman Sam Rexhepi.
John Zangari and Chris Scudamore booted four goals apiece, with club captain Scudamore praised for his ability to shake off a tag.
“He’s been super for us,” Diker said. “It must be hard for him because he’s tagged heavily and it’s the tagger’s sole purpose to punch and hit him all game. I tell him to keep on running because they won’t be able to catch him after half-time.”
The Hawks negotiated a soft month with four percentage-boosting wins.
They have been able to drip-feed a number of injured stars back into the line-up in that time and get an even better understanding of the new game plan under a first-year coach. The true test for the Hawks will come in the next fortnight with tough away trips to Coburg Districts and Albanvale.
“We’ve got the top three teams in the last three rounds so it’s important to get results on the board now. We can set our season up in the next two weeks,” Diker said.
