By Tara Murray
It might be season over for Hillside, but the Sharks are still one of the big winners in the Essendon District Football League Women’s premier division.
The surprise packets of the competition, the Sharks made it through to a preliminary final, exceeding even their own expectations.
It was a tough day against a determined Keilor side and the Sharks did themselves proud, despite the Blues winning 7.7 (49)-2.0 (12).
Hillside coach Justin Fairservice said there were mixed emotions after the game.
“[Keilor] played really well.
“They moved the ball and structured up well and caught us out a little bit.
“It was disappointing to lose the game, but to get as far as we did was a big deal.”
Fairservice said the game was decided in the second and fourth quarters as the Blues kicked five of their goals in those two quarters.
“The first and third quarters we played really well,” he said.
“The second and fourth quarters, they ran away with it.
“Two poor quarters of football cost us.”
Annalise and Ebony Wilkie, Rachael Jackson and Emily Paterno were named the Sharks’ best.
All four were stars throughout the season, especially during the finals series.
Fairservice said while there was a lot of initial disappointment, the group was proud of what it had achieved this year.
“We’re in the right spot and we can make it further,” he said.
“We want to try harder and want to improve.
“We’ve had a taste for it, we’re now really hungry for it.”
Fairservice said he would like to continue on coaching next year but as it is a volunteer role, the club has to advertise the position.
He said the group needed to continue to build on its foundations.
A couple of recruits would be good too.
“The main focus for the group needs to be improving our girls and getting the fitness and structures right,” he said.
“Most have played 20-odd games. We’re looking forward to next year.”
Keilor will play Aberfeldie in the grand final on Saturday at Windy Hill.
Aberfeldie won the semi-final between the two teams.
In the division 1 grand final, Maribyrnong Park will play Essendon Doutta Stars.
In the men’s competition, Hillside’s finals hopes are officially over in division 1.
Hillside needed everything to go their way in the final two rounds to make finals.
Those hopes ended when they lost to Craigieburn on Saturday, 17.13 (115)-10.17 (77).
Victor Micallef was named the Sharks’ best in the loss.
In division 2, Burnside Heights finished the regular season on a high, ahead of its first finals berth. The Bears beat Hadfield, 24.9 (153)-12.7 (79).
The Bears face Coburg Districts in a knock-out semi-final.
MORE EDFL NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/keilor-shakes-off-semi-final-blues-nails-decider-berth/
