Eastern league 2019: Noble Park toughs out six-point win over Doncaster

“Every time I’m about to get sacked he wins another game for us!’ Noble Park coach Mick Fogarty quipped of his captain, Kyle Martin, after the Bulls defeated Doncaster.

The message from Noble Park coach “Mighty’’ Mick Fogarty was as clear as a whistle.

Stick at it. Keep working. We’re not far away. It will turn.

And so it did.

After six consecutive losses that took in an after-the-siren defeat to Rowville, the Bulls on Saturday steadied their season with a six-point victory over Doncaster, 10.16 (76) to 11.4 (70).

At 4-6, they’re seventh on the ladder but only a game away from fifth-placed South Croydon.

Noble Park led at every change but the Sharks came at it in the last quarter.

A goal from Richmond VFL-listed Nathan Oakes helped hold them back.

“Great win for us … really tough conditions out there and Doncaster hit us with everything,’’ Fogarty said.

“They’ve got some really good midfielders — (Michael) Fogarty, (Jack) Mahon, (Sam) Caruso and (Chris) Annakis are serious players — and they’re strong.

“It was a slog, an old-fashioned slog, where character and want and effort were needed, and we brought all of those things.’’

Bulls coach Mick Fogarty.

He said the Bulls could have made it easier for themselves with better kicking for goal.

“We didn’t take all our chances. We left the door open a bit and they challenged us. Thankfully it didn’t cost us in the end,’’ Fogarty said.

Captain Kyle Martin is struggling with an ankle injury — yet he still had 40 possessions.

He couldn’t play a bad game if he tried.

“I’ve got to hand it to Kyle. He keeps me in the job at Noble Park by winning games for us!’’ Fogarty quipped.

“I owe him a hell of a lot. Every time I’m about to get sacked he wins another game for us! Look, seriously, words fail me when it comes to describing the bloke. Just keeps fronting up and producing.’’

ROWVILLE WINS WITH KICK AFTER THE SIREN

FOOTY'S WACKIEST CLUB SONG

The Bulls were also chuffed with Tom Glen across half back, midfielder Cosi Anagnostou, and forwards Jordie Marson (three goals) and Joel Cusack.

The tall Cusack, listed with Richmond VFL, returned to the team after appearing in an AFL Victoria Young Guns game and for the Vic Metro Under 25 team that played Tasmania.

The only downer for Noble Park was a heavy hit to young Lachie McDonnell as he took a kick in the third quarter. He was concussed and played no further part in the match.

The Bulls sense an opportunity to make a run at the top five, hosting Montrose and Norwood in the next two rounds then visiting North Ringwood.