EDFL: Tullamarine move to 3-0 after big win over Hillside

Tullamarine believes it is only going at “60 per cent” as Shaun McKernan produced his best performance yet with more firepower not too far away.

Tullamarine isn’t anywhere near its best.

That’s according to coach David Connell as his side moved to 3-0 with a 11.17 (83) to 7.8 (50) win over Hillside as inaccurate goalkicking kept the Sharks closer than the Demons would have liked.

Despite being the early EDFL Division 1 pacesetters alongside Airport West and West Coburg, Connell believes his side still has “plenty of improvement” in them.

“Speaking after the game we all agreed we’re going at about 60 per cent of what we’re capable of,” he said.

“And that’s not being disrespectful to the sides we’ve played because they have all challenged us.

“We just know we’re capable of playing much better footy than what we have been in the first three games.”

Anthony Liberatore has played a key role in his side’s form. Picture: Hamish Blair

Former AFL big man Shaun McKernan continued his stunning return to Tullamarine with a best on ground display which included four goals.

He kicked six majors against Moonee Valley in round 2.

Connell said the 31-year-old had helped to lift the standards on and off the field.

“I don’t think you can speak highly enough of the impact he’s had on the club and his teammates,” he said.

“He’s got no ego, he just wants to play with his mates. Before the season we actually had no intention of playing him in the ruck but now he’s been in the middle every game.

“Our forward structure broke down a little when he wasn’t there yesterday and that’s one of those areas we will work to address as we keep moving forward.”

Tim Matson was also one of Tullamarine’s best performers with Connell declaring it was his “best game in two years”.

“He was disappointed with his footy last year and has come back and played a crucial role for us,” he said.

“I think he would have taken 12 or 13 marks down back for us yesterday. He was crucial to us getting the ball back in our control and having the game on our terms.”

Tullamarine star Anthony Prestia is expected to return in the coming weeks. Picture: Jamie Morey

Peter Dispenzeri and off-season recruit James Vistarini were also among the better players winning praise from Connell for “stepping up” in the absence of key players.

That included star Anthony Prestia who is nearing a return from a hamstring injury sustained just days out from round 1.

Connell revealed he could play against West Coburg next weekend.

“He’s definitely one of our most important players,” he said.

“But we want to make sure we get it right and not risk having him re-injure it. We’ve got incredible depth at the club at the moment.

“Our reserves are 3-0 for the first time in over a decade and 13 guys unfortunately had to miss out on a game in our thirds on Friday night.”

Adam Scott, Alessio Gobbo and Cooper Perry are also expected to return next week.

Bailey Kirkman was named the best player on the ground for Hillside.

The Sharks will look to bounce back against Bailey Kirkman.