Tara Murray
Hillside pushed West Coburg for all but five minutes and it proved the difference in the Essendon District Football League division 1 qualifying final.
With five minutes left on the clock, West Coburg led by one point and seemed like it would be anyone’s game.
West Coburg kicked the last three goals of the game to seal the win, 15.15 (105)-12.13 (85).
Sharks coach Chris Daley said he was proud with how the playing group stood up.
“I’m proud of how they went about it and how we fought it out,” he said. “It was one point with five minutes to go.
“It seemed like it would be on those games, whoever was in front at the end won.
“It was a little bit disappointing [the end], as we thought we had done enough.”
While it was a final, all the attention early was on Sharks forward Josh Covelli.
He needed just two goals to make it 100 for the season.
It came early in the second quarter. He finished with five for the game.
Daley said they had spoken about Covelli possibly kicking his 100th and they would look to handle it.
“It was enormous,” he said. “We had hoped that he would get it early in the game.
“There was a 10-12 minute stoppage with all the crowd coming onto the ground.
“Josh was almost at the point of giving the game away last year. He hasn’t come from a higher level and come down, he has challenged himself.
“To get 100 goals is an enormous effort for someone who is a local footballer.”
Daley said the group was able to keep their composure after the stoppage in play, with the side leading at half time.
Despite not getting the win, Daley said they would take a lot out of the game.
“We fought it out against a quality team,” he said. “If we play them again, we’ll go in with lots of confidence.”
Daley said midfielder Tristan Rudic was their best in probably his best game for the season.
He said the performances of youngsters Riley Way and Noah Asciak had impressed him.
Captain Anthony Prestia also had a strong performance.
The Sharks will now face St Albans in a knockout semi final. The Saints beat Oak Park in an elimination final on Sunday.
Daley said they are likely to get Zak Wunhym and Lachlan Pettigrove back into the side.
The pair, who are in the Sharks leadership group, were both big outs on Saturday,
Daley spent Sunday afternoon watching the elimination final between St Albans and Oak Park.
“We know what to expect with St Albans, we’ve played them a few times the last couple of years,” he said.
West Coburg will face Maribyrnong Park in the other semi final with a grand final spot on the line.
Maribyrnong Park had the weekend off.
