EDFL Division 1: Hillside too good for Sunbury Kangaroos

Several new faces in Hillside’s senior side have combined to lead the Sharks to an impressive Good Friday win as familiar names continue to improve.

Hillside couldn’t be any happier with its off-season recruiting drive.

The Sharks got their season up and running on Good Friday with a big 17.20 (122) to 9.13 (67) win over the Sunbury Kangaroos as a trio of new faces played important roles.

Lachlan Pettigrove and Lucas Failli were named the best players on the ground while new key forward Josh Covelli kicked three goals to go with the seven majors he booted in round one.

Pettigrove is a former Hillside junior having played for the club up until 2014 before he crossed to his now previous club East Keilor.

Failli made the move from Premier Division side Pascoe Vale in the off-season and has been named in the best players two games running while Covelli made the step up to Division 1 from Burnside Heights in Division 2.

A blistering opening half set-up the Sharks’ victory as they led 10.12 (72) to 1.5 (11) at the main break before the contest was much more even over the last 60 minutes of action.

Hillside coach Charlie Denaro. Picture: Hamish Blair

In just their second senior games, Jai Wright and Theo Petinarias were both impressive to be named among Hillside’s better players.

Petinarias, who was a noted junior goalkicker at junior level with 45 majors in 11 under 18.5 games last year, booted three in his side’s big win.

Chris Samagalski, Jackson Volpato and Luke Sammut were also impressive throughout the afternoon.

Sammut now has three goals in two games after he made his senior debut last year.

Carlo Riccardi also finished with two goals for the Sharks in his second game for the club.

Former Western Jet Lucas Failli impressed for Hillside. Picture: Hamish Blair

Meanwhile for the Kangaroos, former East Sunbury star Cooper McPharlane got on the scoreboard for the first time with four majors.

New recruit Tierone Cuffe, formerly of Strathmore, was also impressive for the visitors in a best on ground display in a losing effort.

Brenton Sutherland, Fitzroy Greenwool, Kayne Murphy and Thomas Borg were also among the Kangaroos’ better players.

Hillside will look to continue its winning ways against premiership contender Tullamarine as Sunbury aims for its first win of the year against Rupertswood.