St Albans gets back on the winner’s list

St Albans bounced back from a 148-point thumping on the weekend as the EDFL club’s fortunes look set to change in the coming weeks. Here’s why.

Brandon Coletta impressed up forward. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Saturday afternoon couldn’t have come at a better time for St Albans and coach Zammy Muhtari.

After being trounced by EDFL Division 1 premiership contender West Coburg a week earlier by 146 points, the Saints welcomed back more than 10 players for the weekend’s win over Taylors Lakes.

The 15-point victory moved Muhtari’s men to 7-7, the same record as the Lions, as the race for the final top-five place heats up.

Avondale Heights which occupies fourth position currently sits two games clear of both sides and is more concerned with the possibility of locking in a double chance.

“The ambition we had to play finals at the start of the year is something we still have,” Muhtari said.

“It’s good to get a few guys back and the thing we were looking for most out of the weekend was seeing how quickly that connection between all three areas of the ground could be re-established.

“We had a couple of guys unavailable for various reasons and then we should have three or four more players come back from injuries in the next few weeks.

“The list is healthy compared to where it was been so we’re determined to give ourselves every opportunity to play finals footy.”

St Albans’ leaders played a key role in getting their side across the line with stalwart Jack Sims named the best player on the ground.

“Everyone knew what was at stake,” Muhtari said.

“Atu Bosenavulagi was really solid. Brandon Coletta (two goals) gave us a real presence up forward. They were probably the standouts but there were even contributions across the board.”

St Albans now turns its attention to a home game against Moonee Valley.

HILLSIDE ONE OF THE FORM TEAMS

Hillside is going to take some stopping in this sort of form. The Sharks have won four straight including a 77-point thumping of Avondale Heights on Saturday to claim the advantage in the race for the double chance. Hillside finished with 11 different goalkickers in the win as Josh Covelli booted three.

RELEGATION FOR PIES?

Tullamarine has created a three-game gap between itself and Roxburgh Park with an eight-point win. The Demons now sit on four wins compared to one for the Magpies. Josh Cowell finished with four goals. Salvatore Melilli was best afield for the Demons. It was the perfect celebration for the Demons who announced earlier in the week that coach Zack Carey had extended his stay for a further two seasons.

RACE ON FOR THE TOP-FIVE

Deer Park prevailed by 13 points against Essendon Doutta Stars to move three games clear of the chasing pack in Premier Division but from fifth down the race for finals footy is heating up. Maribyrnong Park currently occupies fifth place, one game clear of the Stars, Pascoe Vale and Airport West. The Panthers beat the lions on Saturday afternoon to set up a grandstand finish with Rhys Ritchie booting five in a best on ground display.

A HADFIELD FIRST

It wasn’t pretty but Hadfield secured a club-first after overcoming Sunbury Kangaroos by seven points. The win marked the first time the Hawks have beaten the former Riddell District league side after losing the previous 10 meetings. Big man Rhys Gleisner was named best afield while Zac Polizzi again put together an impressive performance.