EDFL: Why Hillside is starting to find its best footy

Hillside lost three straight games to start the season but after two wins on the trot, the Sharks are finding their best footy in a warning to rivals. New coach Mo Kaakour on the injury challenges and recruits.

Hillside are celebrating a return to form. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Hillside coach Mo Kaakour can feel the tide starting to turn.

After dropping the first three games of the season, the Sharks have now won two on the trot including a 86-point thumping of Tullamarine on Saturday.

It’s a result which has seen Kaakour’s side rise to seventh on the ladder with plenty of room for improvement according to the former Westmeadows coach.

“The boys have come together well and they’re starting to find that connection,” he said.

“We had a tough start and I thought if we could break 2-2 from the first four games it would have been a good start but we’ll build from here obviously.

“Coming in with a new game plan and system, it wasn’t going to be easy, it wasn’t just going to just work straight away.”

The Sharks unveiled new recruit Mohammed Yassine, who joined the club from Pascoe Vale and Richmond VFL, and he starred with four goals.

Best on ground honours were awarded to Gabriel Cristiano, another fresh face at the club after crossing from Aberfeldie in the off-season.

Mohammed Yassine. Picture: Andrew Batsch

“We’re thrilled Mo came in and performed so strongly” Kaakour said.

“But the goal is to have our players playing at the highest level and hopefully there’s an opportunity for him to get back into the Tigers side.

“Gabe has been playing a pivotal role for us in the middle. He started the year in defence but we moved him into the midfield and he’s been a big winner of contested footy for us.”

Key forward Josh Covelli, who booted six goals, sent an injury scare through the Sharks when he was helped from the ground but Kaakour said the decision was made to take him off the ground.

“We just put him in cotton wool,” he said.

“He’s obviously such an important part to what we’re aiming to do. We’ve been missing seven of our best 12 at different points throughout this year. We probably have another four or five to come in.

“The reserves are flying at the top of the ladder and it’s awesome to have access to such great depth.”

Josh Covelli was cleared of serious injury. Picture: Andrew Batsch

HEIGHTS DUO THRIVE IN BOUNCEBACK PERFORMANCE

Danko Bzenic and Jackson Robb showed why they will be so important as to how far Avondale Heights go this season with impressive displays in their side’s 46-point win over Moonee Valley. The pair are among the club’s most experienced players. Recruit Colm Brennan was also among the better players on his return to the side.

WEST COBURG’S REMINDER

They’ve made the last three Division 1 grand finals, albeit suffering defeat in all, but West Coburg produced a timely reminder of its strength with a 10-point win over St Albans. Jesse Martini impressed with three goals. Emilio Rinaudo was named the best player on the ground.

TAYLORS LAKES A FINALS CONTENDER

You’d be silly to discount Taylors Lakes from your finals calculations this season after an impressive three-point win over Craigieburn, one of the side’s tipped to be at the pointy end of the ladder. Lachlan Rayner was best on ground in a starring display as the Lions booted 6.19. Steve Burns’ side now sit fifth on the ladder in a competition which is extremely tight.

COX ON A FINE RUN OF FORM

Oak Park leader Brad Cox is putting together an impressive run of form. He has been in the best in the last four games for the premiership contender. He booted three goals in his side’s big win over Roxburgh Park on the weekend.