Hillside put in a below par performance and was made to pay by Craigieburn in Essendon District Football League division 1.
While only one point separated the two teams at three-quarter time in the round one clash, the Sharks weren’t happy with their performance.
The mood didn’t get any better, as the Eagles kicked four goals to one in the final term to seal the 14.12 (96)-9.6 (60) win.
Sharks football manager Darren Mantynen said it was a disappointing game where they were outplayed.
He said it was windy for the first half, before it dropped away in the third quarter when the Sharks were kicking that way, and then picked up again in the last quarter.
“It wasn’t what we wanted,” he said.
“They were up and about after not winning a game in premier division last season.
“It was below par for us. We didn’t move the ball forward with purpose and we didn’t compete.
“We went away from our basic structures in the heat of the moment. Craigieburn was really good and will beat a lot of sides.”
Mantynen said Lachlan Rayner, Julian Hemala, Riza Gashi and Harry Charters were the best in the loss.
The Sharks sit 1-1 after taking home the win against Taylors Lakes
in the division 1 opener on Good Friday.
Mantynen said they hadn’t played their best football in the first two rounds.
“On Good Friday we played a good first quarter and the game was even after that.
“We’re still building and we don’t want to play our best football until later in the year.
“We just need to be more competitive than we were on Saturday.”
The Sharks face Oak Park on Saturday before a week off the following weekend.
Westmeadows, Taylors Lakes and Tullamarine were the other winners in round one.
Meanwhile in division 2, Burnside Heights started its season with a loss to East Sunbury.
The Bears, who had a bye in round one, trailed at every break, as the Thunder ran away with the win, 11.16 (82)-6.3 (39).
The Bears this week face Hadfield.
Roxburgh Park and Northern Saints were the other winners.
In premier division, Maribyrnong Park, Aberfeldie, Greenvale, Glenroy and Keilor had wins.
Tara Murray
