Tara Murray
While Hillside has missed finals in the Essendon District Football League division 1, the Sharks have finished the season as one of the form teams.
After a slow start, the Sharks have started to put together some good form in the back half of the season.
Sharks coach Charlie Denaro said they were always going to take time to piece everything together.
“The boys are starting to come together and understand each other,” he said. “It’s such a new group and they’ve managed to play good footy in the back end of the year.
“Every team aims for finals and we knew that we would come home strong. We needed one more win on the board in the first half.
“It gives us a good base for next year.”
Denaro said the difference between now and earlier in the season was that the group had started to work out how to play with each other.
He said match simulation could only teach you so much.
“We had such massive changes in the playing group and personnel,” he said. “A lot of young players have come to the club and other young players have been given opportunities.
“It’s even the basics, who kicks on the left and right feet. It takes some time in the early games.
“Continuity of selection as well. We’ve played a fair few players. We’ve grown and grown, which is really good.”
While a number of players have stood out for the Sharks, the performances of full forward Josh Covelli have made people stand up and take notice.
Covelli in his first season at the club had kicked 73 goals with one round remaining, to lead the competition goal kicking.
Denaro said Covelli, who has kicked six or more goals on eight occasions, had exceeded all expectations.
“Josh is a ripping bloke,” he said. “He has put in the hard work and the other guys have gravitated towards him.
“He puts more pressure on himself than anyone else does. He’s been up and about and makes us a better side.
“He has been a breath of fresh air for the division 1 competition.”
The Sharks finished their season on Saturday against Airport West.
The game was called off before half time, with the two teams awarded two points each.
The Sharks have advertised the senior coaching role as part of the constitution.
Denaro said would put his hat in again, desperate to continue coaching this group of players.
