The drought finally lifted for Sunshine Heights.
After 22 months without a win, the Dragons upset Parkside by nine points in a riveting Western Region Football League division 3 clash at Henry Turner Reserve on Saturday.
Dragons’ president Vince Sposato said a massive weight had been lifted from the shoulders of everyone at the club who ‘sang the song’ for the first time since June 28, 2014.
“The mood after the siren, for me personally, was a sigh of relief that we actually won a game,” Sposato said.
“Seeing the faces of the people who have been around the footy club for so long, I was overwhelmed, and there were some tears shed there.
“We were down and out last year; we’ve done it tough the last two years.
“The people that support me, like our committee, our supporters, our coach and our players, they’re just a wonderful bunch of people to be around.
“We were absolutely stoked with the win, especially beating Parkside, who are the benchmark of division 3.”
Sunshine Heights had been a club on its knees. The Dragons struggled through a 0-18 season last season, claiming the wooden spoon in division 2 to be relegated a long way out from the end of the season.
What this did was give the Dragons a chance to start rebuilding early; taking a step back from the ultra-competition second tier to play in division 3 helped.
The new season got off to a shaky start for the Dragons, losing to cross-town rivals North Sunshine in the season opener. But this win over Parkside validates what the club has done over the summer to build a competitive squad.
“Coming down a division, I think the boys thought they had it won, and underestimated North Sunshine,” Sposato said.
“We’ve got a pretty good side this year. It makes a difference when you’ve got a bit of depth.”
Sunshine Heights took an 11-point lead into the last quarter and refused to budge. The last term was goal-less for both sides, and the Dragons held on for a gutsy win.
“Full credit to Parkside, they never gave up all day,” Sposato said. “Our side stuck it out and [coach] Robbie [Greto] did say at three-quarter time, it’s about time we stood up; we’re all accountable.
“Last year we probably would’ve dropped our heads and lost the game, but this year there’s a bit of fresh air around the place.”
Beau Velona, a new recruit from Jacana, stood out for Sunshine Heights with his physicality.
Leo Eliepa, Justin Zahra, Ali Lika and Keelan Privitera were the Dragons’ other stand-outs.
The Dragons face Laverton on the road at Laverton Park in the Anzac Day game on Monday.
