EFL 2019: Surrey Park overcomes Silvan to score eight-point win

Surrey Park’s bid to end a 13-year finals drought have received a “massive” boost after an eight-point win over fellow top-four contender Silvan.

Michael Paolini kicked six goals in the win. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Surrey Park’s bid to end a 13-year finals drought received a “massive” boost on Saturday after an eight-point win over fellow top-four contender Silvan.

The Panthers have not played finals since 2006 but squared their record at 3-3 thanks to the 13.10 (88) to 12.8 (80) triumph at Surrey Park Reserve.

Silvan trailed by 24 points at halftime but kicked seven unanswered goals in the third term to grab a seven-point advantage at the final change.

Three goals to one in the last quarter lifted Surrey Park to consecutive wins for the first time since Rounds 4 and 5 in 2017.

After defeats to top three sides East Burwood, Fairpark and Coldstream in the first six weeks, coach Scott Hamill said it was important for his side to take a scalp.

“Mate, that is massive for us,” Hamill said when asked about the significance of the win.

“I think in all honesty it’s probably going to be out of us, Silvan, Coldstream and now Forest Hill fighting for the third and fourth spots.”

Surrey Park coach Scott Hamill. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Michael Paolini kicked six goals to be in the best players, off-season additions Mathew Dompietro and Damien Frisina were instrumental through the midfield and Jesse Lehmann was influential in the ruck.

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Hamill praised his side for fighting back after a lacklustre third term.

“We were second to the footy in that third quarter and they really got on top of us,” he said.

“It was a real gutsy win and gutsy effort by us. We stuck to our guns and played really well.

“In the last quarter we went back to basics, went one-on-one and got ourselves first to the footy again.”

Surrey Park will observe the bye this weekend before facing Forest Hill in Round 8.

“We need to win the ones we can and can’t fall short and cost ourselves any games of footy,” Hamill said.

“This is probably the best list and depth I’ve had in my time at Surrey Park.

“There’s a bit of belief at the footy club, everyone wants to succeed there.

“It’s been so long, we’ve been close but it’s actually time to do something with our list.”

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