Hillside is putting itself in the perfect position to claim its first Essendon District Football League division 1 finals berth.
In a finals race likely to go down to the final round for a third straight year, all wins are vital.
After a disappointing result against Tullamarine three rounds ago, Hillside has rebounded with two wins against other finals hopefuls.
The first was a one-point win against Airport West.
On Saturday, they defeated local rival Taylors Lakes by 33 points.
Sharks football manager Cole Harvey said both matches were eight-point games.
“The win against Airport West was massive for us,” he said. “We had a couple of guys out, which made it even bigger.
“Even though it was just one point, in the context of the season it was massive.
“With the closeness of the competition, the game against Taylors Lakes was just as important. A win would give us a minor break on fifth spot.
“We’re just trying to realise our goal of playing finals.”
The Sharks had a mixed start against the Lions. They dominated the first quarter to open up a 20-point lead before the Lions fought back to reduce the margin to two points at the main break.
Similar to the first half, the Sharks made the most of a slight breeze in the third quarter to increase the lead to 25 points.
This time they didn’t let the Lions back into the game, out-scoring them in the final quarter for the 16.15 (111)-12.6 (78) victory.
Harvey said it was rammed home to the players at half-time how important the third quarter would be.
“The boys stuck to their structures and game plan,” he said. “They got the job done. It was also past players day at the club and important for all three sides with ladder position. It was a really good day.”
Jackson Volpato was named best on ground, with Harvey saying it was one of his best performances of the season.
Anthony Aloi, on a wing, and Matthew Patane, up forward, were also among the best for the Sharks.
The win leaves the Sharks sitting third on the ladder ahead of clashes with the two bottom sides.
Harvey knows getting wins against both Hadfield and East Keilor could set up their season.
“We need to get the job done against Hadfield,” he said.
“We also find playing East Keilor hard and it’s a real danger game for us. If we get the job done against Hadfield and East Keilor, it’ll set us up, particularly with a
tough run home where we play all the top sides.”
In division 2, Burnside Heights proved no match for ladder leader Coburg Districts.
The Lions never let the Bears into the game, kicking eight first-quarter goals to open up a 41-point lead.
The Lions extended their lead at every break, eventually running out the winners by 23.20 (158)-5.7 (37).
