Sunshine Heights won its fair share of admirers even though it came away empty handed against premiership fancy Parkside in Western Region Football League division 3 at Ainsworth Reserve on Saturday.
The Dragons wound up 35-point losers, but were still in the contest deep into the third quarter, partly aided by Magpie inaccuracy in front of goal and their own stubbornness in refusing to concede defeat when the going got tough.
Working against the Dragons in the last quarter was a heavy casualty list in a physical game, leaving their interchange bench down to the bare bones and rotations virtually non-existent.
Dragons president Vince Sposato was pleased with the fight shown by his players when they had their backs against the wall late in the contest.
“We did hang in there,” he said. “We missed two crucial shots late in the third quarter … I think that was the turning point in the game.
“Overall, we were pretty competitive and pretty happy with our performance.
“Parkside is a very good side and I think they will be the team to beat.”
Sunshine Heights played one man short for almost all the match.
Ruckman Dalton Tonkin succumbed to injury 10 minutes in, leaving the Dragons side – already lacking tall targets – down another big man.
The Dragons’ woes were compounded in the second half with injuries to Jeremy Angelowitsch, who had earlier had the unenviable task of manning Parkside star Jason Cloke, and Ben Henderson, another defender.
On top of that, Dragons player-coach Robbie Greto was out with a hamstring injury.
So the Dragons could be pleased with their display, even if they are in a spot of bother with a 0-2 record in the young season.
“No one wants to be 0-2, but there are some encouraging signs,” Sposato said.
Victor Vasilevski was a major positive for Sunshine Heights. He was a commanding presence and a key target around the ground.
“He’s a guy that oozes potential,” Sposato said. “A young guy who plays key position, he’s a good overhead mark and a good target to go to. He’s improved a hell of a lot in the three years with us.”
Justin Zahra, a homegrown talent, continues to shine in Sunshine Heights’ midfield.
Scott Mizzi, brought in from Deer Park, has added depth to the Dragons’ defence, while Keelan Privatera kicked half of his side’s goals with four majors.
Sunshine Heights travels to Sanctuary Lakes on Saturday knowing a win is a must if it is to keep in touch with the leading sides.
“It is a big game for us,” Sposato said. “We still expect big things this year.
“We’ve still got 16 rounds to do something about it and turn our season around.”
In division 1, St Albans made light work of newly promoted Caroline Springs, winning by 55 points at the Town Centre Oval.
Leigh Brennan was on target for the Saints with five goals, while Marc Dawson and Matt Quigley were the stand-outs.
Deer Park powered to a 63-point win over Albion at the John McLeod Oval. James Condos spearheaded the Lions’ win with seven goals.
Sunshine Kangaroos pummelled Wyndhamvale by 72 points at Kinder Smith Reserve. The damage could have been worse had the Roos kicked straight, but they turned just 12 of 39 scoring shots into goals.
In division 2, Albanvale made a fine start to the season, beating West Footscray by 18 points at Robert Bruce Oval. Dane Thomas booted five goals for the Cobras.
