A disappointing loss has put Hillside back in the pack in Essendon District Football League division 1.
In what is shaping as a closely contested division, every win is vital for teams like the Sharks who are hunting a finals’ berth.
The Sharks, coming off a bye, were hoping to return to the winners’ list against Tullamarine after losing their previous two games.
The Sharks started well and led at quarter- time, but it all went downhill from there. The Demons opened up a 10-point lead at half-time, and extended it to 12 points at three-quarter time.
Despite outscoring the Demons in the final quarter, the Sharks couldn’t close the gap and lost 9.7 (61)-8.9 (57).
Sharks football manager Cole Harvey said the final score did not reflect the game, nor Tullamarine’s dominance.
“We didn’t deserve to win, Tullamarine was the better side all day,” he said.
“To Tulla’s credit they stuck to structures and took control. We weren’t allowed to play our fast, free-flowing football.
“The scores were close in the end but I thought the scoreboard flattered us.”
Brandon Coletta kicked three goals and was one of the Sharks best on a dark day.
Harvey said Victor Micallef and ruckmen Lachlan Rayner and Shannon Ball could also hold their heads high.
The Sharks have a week off, with a competition-wide Queen’s Birthday bye, before taking on second-placed Airport West.
With just eight points separating second and seventh, every win is important for the Sharks.
The Sharks sit fourth with four wins, three losses and a bye. Harvey said they had been happy with where they were before Saturday’s result, with the loss keeping them in the pack of sides looking to make finals.
“We’re a glass half full team so we’re not panicking.”
In another loss for the Sharks, they’ve parted ways with James Micallef, who shared the division 1 competition best and fairest award with his brother last year, because he did not meet conditions in his contract.
In other results, Taylors Lakes proved no match for ladder leaders Glenroy 16.15 (111)-6.12 (48)
In premier division, it was a disappointing day for Keilor which lost to Avondale Heights, 12.16 (88)-8.12 (60). The Blues were in the lead at half-time, but kicked just two goals in the second half.
In division 2, Burnside Heights came agonisingly close to its second win of the season against East Sunbury. Having lost to the Thunder after the siren in round one, the Bears lost this time, 13.12 (90)-13.5 (83).
Keilor Park lost to Northern Saints by 103 points.
