EFL: Forest Hill records a comfortable 67-point victory over Coldstream

A SEVEN-goal haul from Forest Hill recruit Michael Cardamone against his former club helped the Zebras to a comprehensive 67-point win over Coldstream.

Nick Pincott looks for options. Picture: Sarah Matray

A SEVEN-goal haul from Forest Hill recruit Michael Cardamone against his former club helped the Zebras to a comprehensive 67-point win over Coldstream on Saturday.

Forest Hill coach Martin Stillman labelled the performance the best showing from his side for the year after back-to-back losses saw the Zebras start 2-2 for the third consecutive season.

Down on personnel, Forest Hill built on its lead at every change to finish with a 20.12 (132) to 9.11 (65) victory ahead of next weekend’s clash against the unbeaten Whitehorse Pioneers.

“A few home truths were spoken (during the week) and the boys responded well,” Stillman said.

“I believe we’ve got a talented list but talent alone isn’t going to take you to the finals.

“It’s got to be application and workrate so it was really just a bit of a reality check for us to ensure the talent is met with the application.”

Forest Hill coach Martin Stillman with Michael Cardamone. Picture: Supplied

Coldstream was kept to just three goals in the first half as Forest Hill went to the main break with a 32-point lead.

Six goals to two in the third quarter saw the margin balloon out to 10 goals before the Zebras finished comfortable winners.

The Zebras will welcome back Steve Pimms, Aaron Creak, Dean McGuire and Will Stoneman in the coming weeks, but Todd Burger is on the long-term injury list with a broken foot.

Having added Pimm, Cardamone, Luke Strachan, Daniel Ousley and David Black over the summer after consecutive grand final losses, Stillman said his side was beginning to find its feet.

“I think we played probably eight to nine new players in the first five rounds,” Stillman said.

“It has been through necessity with injuries but at the same time we are giving these blokes some exposure.

“I think it has an impact that we don’t have an under-19s so we always do have a large contingent of players coming into the club.”

Whitehorse and East Burwood have proven to be the breakaway teams in Division 4 to start the season, both with 5-0 records, while Forest Hill, Kilsyth, Fair Park and Glen Waverley Hawks each sit on 3-2.

Elsewhere, East Burwood had a 180-point win over Nunawading, Whitehorse enjoyed a 30-point victory over Kilsyth.

In Division 1, Vermont kept Knox to just one goal in a 149-point rout, while Blackburn returned to form with a 59-point win over North Ringwood.