Hillside let slip an opportunity to claim the scalp of Tullamarine in Essendon District Football League division 1.
For two teams expected to be in the mix come finals time, the match presented an opportunity to assess how they are going.
Sharks’ football manager Darren Mantynen said a poor third quarter cost them dearly.
“We started well with the wind but conceded two easy goals to Tullamarine, who were going against the wind,” he said.
“A competitive second quarter saw us only two goals behind at the main break and with the wind in the third quarter.
“We dominated possession but were very wasteful, kicking 1.7, which essentially cost us the momentum and the game.” Tullamarine won 13.14 (92)-6.16 (52).
Mark Micallef was the Sharks only multiple goalkicker, with two.
Ed Schellander, Jake Vicic, Jeremy Hayes and Tom Drake were named the Sharks’ best.
The result leaves the Sharks sitting 3-2 and third on the ladder.
Mantynen said injuries and a suspension meant some key players had missed games in recent weeks.
He said the upside was more opportunities for players such as Anthony Petrarca and Vicic.
The Sharks’ reserves and under-19s are in the top two of their respective competitions, giving the Sharks some depth.
Mantynen said the Sharks’ focus was on setting themselves up for a strong second half of the season. He said it was getting harder to predict results and the rest of the season was sure to be a good test.
“Injuries aside, we are still competing well for the most part in games, so all is not lost,” he said.
“The key now is to get all the injured players right for the second half of the season, where we play five out of eight games at home at Shark Park.
“We would love to be 5-3 at the bye, or 4-4 at worst.”
Taylors Lakes continued to prove it is no easybeat by defeating Westmeadows on Saturday. Both sides were inaccurate in front of goal, with the Lions winning 8.15 (63)-4.13 (37). David Reinmuth was named the Lions’ best in the win.
In division 2, Burnside Heights went down to Roxburgh Park.
The Magpies blew the game open in the second quarter on the way to a 16.16 (112)-7.13 (55) win. Keilor fell short against Aberfeldie in premier division.
In a match between the past two premiers, it was a strong last quarter by the Gorillas that proved to be the difference. The Gorillas kicked six goals to two in the final term to turn a 17-point deficit into an
12.8 (80)-9.8 (62) win.
