EDFL 2018: Northern Saints coach Paul Dunn yet to be signed up for next season

The coach of an Essendon District Football League flag contender will lead his team into finals with uncertainty over his future.

NORTHERN Saints coach Paul Dunn will lead his team into finals with uncertainty over his future at the Essendon District Football League Division 2 club.

Dunn is in his first season in charge at the Saints after spending four years in the VFL system with Coburg and Essendon.

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He is optimistic about the club’s prospects of sustained success but is yet to receive confirmation he will continue at the helm in 2019.

Northern Saints coach Paul Dunn. Picture: Hamish Blair

“The club’s got a lot of positives, but there’s also a lot of change happening with a new committee and so on,” Dunn said.

“Until that sorts itself out, everything is in limbo.”

The Saints were eliminated by eventual premier Jacana in last season’s preliminary final and are in a strong position to secure a top-two berth ahead of Saturday’s Round 21 fixture against Burnside Heights.

They will enter the match in second spot with a 12-5 win-loss record.

Dunn said his team was shooting for the ultimate prize after an even home-and-away campaign, with Moonee Valley, Roxburgh Park and East Sunbury also qualifying for finals.

“Being such an even comp, you only need to be off your game by 5 or 6 per cent on any day,” Dunn said.

“It’s absolutely important that you get the double chance.

“I think the team that eventually wins it will be one of the ones that gets the double chance.

“You play footy to win, and once you’re in the finals the heat goes up another notch and anything’s possible.”

Ahmed Abdul-Wahed has enjoyed a superb season for Northern Saints. Picture: Hamish Blair

The Saints boast a potent one-two punch in the forward half, with Rocky Ferraro and Khodr Taleb both kicking over 50 goals, and the team’s ability to score quickly when needed has proved decisive this season.

Ruckman Mahmoud Taleb and midfielders Ahmed Abdul-Wahed and Tamer Abdallah will also be vital in their side’s premiership quest.

Dunn also heaped praise on his backline, led by Jake McSwain, Thomas McMillan and Moussa Sleiman.

“They’ve probably been underrated,” Dunn said of his defence.

“Many have seen the backline as our weakness when a lot of our play is actually generated off the halfback line.”

All Division 2 clubs played each other three times during the regular season after Keilor Park withdrew from the senior ranks before Round 1.

“We know who’s who and the game styles of most of the sides,” Dunn said.

“But I’m sure they haven’t shown all their cards yet.”