Hillside is in the finals – but that means there is still unfinished business for it in Essendon District Football League division 1.
After watching on in the final round last season as their finals hopes were crushed, the Sharks this season have made sure their fate was in their own hands by sealing a finals spot with two rounds remaining.
Sharks football manager Cole Harvey said the players were excited knowing the club would be playing finals for the first time since 2013, when it won the division 2 title.
“It’s the first time in the club’s history playing in division 1 finals,” he said.
“We’re freshening things up for finals. We still feel Glenroy is the team to beat, but on their day any of the top four can win.”
With a finals spot secure, the Sharks have turned their attention to earning a top-two finish and a double chance.
They all but sealed second spot on Saturday afternoon by defeating another top-two hopeful, Tullamarine.
The Sharks led by 20 points at half-time, but couldn’t get away from Tullamarine, which reduced the margin to 12 points at the last break.
The Sharks had the better of it in the final quarter to win 13.12 (90)-9.10 (64).
Joseph Drake was named best on ground in the win. Matthew Patane kicked three goals up forward in the absence of the division’s leading goalkicker, Brandon Coletta.
Coletta, who broke a finger last month, isn’t expected to play again this season.
Harvey said the loss of Coletta was massive for the Sharks, but they were hopeful they had enough players who could step up.
The Sharks sit in second spot, four points and more than 20 per cent clear of the third-placed Demons, who have lost their past two games.
The Sharks will face Airport West in the final round of the season. The last time they met, the Sharks won by a point.
While the Sharks will feature in finals, Taylors Lakes will have to wait on other results.
The Lions, who were no match for ladder leader Glenroy on Saturday are sixth and outside the top four on percentage.
The Lions, who have a bye in the final round, need both Oak Park and Airport West to lose if they are to sneak into the top four.
In premier division, Keilor was too strong for Pascoe Vale, winning 15.16 (106)-11.10 (76). Jason Williams kicked four goals in a best on ground performance.
In division 2, Keilor Park and Burnside Heights were beaten.
