Hillside ends West Coburg’s home winning streak

Hillside overcame a three-quarter-time deficit to stun West Coburg and send a message to its premiership rivals. Chris Daley gives an insight into the moves and players who shaped the comeback.

Hillside enjoyed a convincing win. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Hillside has officially arrived as EDFL division one premiership contender.

The Sharks overturned a 21-point three-quarter-time deficit to beat West Coburg 17.9 (111) to 16.12 (108) on Saturday afternoon.

In the process, the Burgers were beaten at Shore Reserve for the first time since July 2022.

Hillside coach Chris Daley said he always had confidence his side was always going to finish the game strongly.

“We’re a very fit side, so I knew we could run out the game well,” he said.

“It was about us being able to find some space and open the game up with some quicker ball movement. We were able to isolate Josh Covelli (who kicked six goals) and surround him with some dynamic smalls.

“If we were able to get enough supply to our forwards, which we did, it was important we were able to put it on the scoreboard.”

While Covelli was the focal point forward of centre, it was a handful of the Sharks’ off-season recruits who showed why they’ll be important factors in the premiership race.

Robbie Castello and Fort Caruso kicked two goals apiece while Nat Caruso demonstrated a high level of class according to Daley.

“You try and manage what you can from the bench but in a tense game you rely on your experienced guys to lead out on the field,” he said.

“Robbie is spending about 70 per cent time up forward and 30 around the footy. Fort was around the ball all day and had a really good impact.

“I thought our co-captains, Anthony Prestia and Zak Wunhym, really led the way for us throughout the game. Prestia was massive and it was a real bonus he kicked a couple of goals when we threw him forward.

“We looked to our leaders to lift us when we were behind and they really did that.”

Hillside coach Chris Daley. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

With three wins to start the season, Hillside sits on top of the ladder.

But Daley insists there is still plenty of room for improvement for his side.

“We’re only a couple of games in and the new guys are still adjusting,” he said.

“We added seven or eight players on a needs basis after making finals last year and we want to go another step further.

“Our perfect game is still a long way away from us. There’s still a lot for us to work on.”

Ryan Lojko, Jackson McMenamin and Lachlan Henson also enjoyed strong outings for the Sharks.

Jonah Horo was named the best player on the ground for West Coburg.

Hillside will next tackle Moonee Valley while the Burgers travel to take on Roxburgh Park.