By Tara Murray
Hillside ended a three-game losing streak with a hard-fought win against Westmeadows in Essendon District Football League division 1.
After a nightmare back half of the season, the Sharks finally returned to the winners’ list on Saturday.
Trailing for the first half, the Sharks hit the lead in the third quarter with a five-goal-to-three quarter.
They continued that form in the final quarter, winning 11.17 (83)-9.7 (61).
Sharks football manager Darren Mantynen said it was good to finally win another game.
“It would not have been fair not to win a game in the second half of the year,” he said.
“After the byes, we’ve had some injuries and we still had five blokes missing. We’re also keeping an eye on the under-19s.
“It’s a good reward for the young boys.”
Mantynen said they could have been leading at half-time but missed their chances.
They stepped up in the second half.
“We felt that we were on top and we just needed to polish up to finish off the work.”
Andrew Papazoglou kicked three goals and Mantynen said he was finally finding his feet at this level.
Brandon Coletta, who has missed several games, provided a target up forward while Jackson Volpato also had a good game.
Riza Gashi was given best on ground in what was his best game for the Sharks.
PHOTO GALLERY: Westmeadows vs Hillside
Despite their three-game losing streak, the fifth-placed Sharks mathematically remain in finals contention.
It would require them to win their last two games and hope that results go their way.
With matches against second and third-placed sides Craigieburn and Tullamarine, Mantynen said they weren’t expecting to make finals.
He said losses to Taylors Lakes and Roxburgh Park had cost them earlier in the season.
He said instead everyone was focused on finishing the season and coach Steve Burns’ time at Hillside on a high.
“I think finals are pretty much off the cards,” he said.
“The guys are still doing the right things and with two weeks to go are pretty much content to finish this year and on to next year.”
The Sharks are expected to appoint their new coach in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile in division 2, Burnside Heights is set to play finals for the first time despite losing to East Sunbury on Saturday.
In a thriller, the Thunder continued its good form against the Bears, winning 9.6 (60)-7.10 (52). The Bears are one game and 25 per cent ahead of Northern Saints heading into the final round.
