EFL Premier Division: Noble Park moves a game clear in second spot

Noble Park is within reach of top spot following Saturday’s win over a finals-bound rival, aided by a host of VFL names. But it was a familiar face front and centre again ...

Noble Park has reaffirmed its status as one of the Premier Division’s contenders.

The Bulls consolidated their hold on second spot on Saturday with a 43-point win over third-placed South Croydon, aided by a wealth of VFL names.

But the headline act was none other than Kyle Martin, who kicked four majors in a best afield display.

Hughes said the availability of Frankston VFL trio Bailey Lambert, Josh Stern and Blake O’Leary allowed the captain to enjoy more time in attack.

“It was a typical Kyle game, he did spend a bit more time forward than what he normally does,” Hughes said.

“That was a by-product of having some really good VFL (players) available for us and that allowed us to push Kyle forward a bit longer and obviously he can play anywhere on the ground.”

Noble Park coach Steve Hughes says an unpredictability in attack this year has helped his side. Picture: Andy Brownbill

And it was the unpredictability in attack and work in the clinches which proved the difference according to the coach, as the Bulls piled on seven goals to one in the opening term.

The visitors didn’t relent, taking 49 and 58-point advantages into the main break and three-quarter time to finish with 10 individual goalkickers.

“We were pretty good at stoppages I thought – they’ve got some dangerous types, Brayden Kilpatrick’s an excellent player,” Hughes said.

“They had a few different players rolling through there but I thought we stood up well to that, and typically against one of the better ruckmen in the comp in Max King.

“Both Jake Gains and Jack Beech did a really good job of equalising that contest.

“Credit to our forwards, they’re gelling together really well now.

“We haven’t got a 60 or 70 goalkicker, we want to share the load. We don’t really care who kicks them to be honest and the players are buying into that as well.”

Jack Beech in action against Balwyn. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Bulls sit a game clear in second spot off the back of four wins in a row, following a loss to Doncaster East a month ago.

But Hughes remains wary of the unpredictable nature of the division.

“It’s a competition where you’re not going to have it all your own way all the time … we’re in a pretty good space at the moment but nobody’s getting ahead of themselves,” he said.

“We’re head down, bum up and trying to consolidate over that middle third of the season.”

Noble Park hosts North Ringwood this weekend and a win could lift it to first.