NFL 2018: West Preston-Lakeside considers Jaylon Thorpe re-call

IS THIS the sliding doors moment which could help West Preston-Lakeside claim the Northern Football League Division 1 premiership?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 16: Jaylon Thorpe of Williamstown (L) who missed a goal in the dying seconds, looks dejected alongside Billy Myers after defeat during the VFL Preliminary Final match between Williamstown and Box Hill at North Port Oval on September 16, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/AFL Media/Getty Images)

WILLIAMSTOWN’S loss could prove West Preston-Lakeside’s gain as the Roosters weigh up recalling VFL-listed tall Jaylon Thorpe for the Northern Football League grand final.

Thorpe was at the forefront of a dramatic finish to Williamstown’s VFL preliminary final against Box Hill Hawks on Sunday, kicking a point just before the final siren.

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The Hawks held on by a point, 13.13 (91) to 13.12 (90), progressing to face Casey Demons in the VFL grand final.

Jaylon Thorpe is comforted after his late miss for Williamstown in Sunday’s preliminary final. Picture: Getty Images.

The Seagulls’ exit from the VFL premiership race has given West Preston the opportunity to add Thorpe, who played nine state league games this year, to its team to face Macleod in the Division 1 decider.

“It will be a consideration for us,” Roosters coach Rob Maiorana said.

“We’ll work through that over the next couple of days to see what our best side looks like then make a decision. He’s available.”

The 189cm utility, who joined Williamstown from Northern Blues this season, kicked 10 goals from nine VFL matches in 2018.

He also managed 13 majors in seven NFL games, enough to qualify for finals.

“We’ll see what happens. He’s a good kid and we felt for him (on Sunday),” Maiorana said. “Those things probably happen 10 or 15 times in a game where you miss a shot but it is those last ones everyone remembers. He’ll bounce back.”

Jaylon Thorpe marks for West Preston-Lakeside. Picture: David Smith.

Maiorana said Thorpe had played predominantly forward for West Preston this year but “can go back, he can play in the ruck and he can play on the wing as well.”

“He’s someone we will consider and see if he can help us win on Saturday,” he said.

Early indications are positive for injured pair Ahmed Saad and Ozgur Uysal, who sustained hamstring strains in Sunday’s 70-point preliminary final victory over North Heidelberg.

“We’ll make that call at the end of the week, work out what is the best thing for the team and give them every opportunity to come up,” Maiorana said.

“Early indications are they will be fine.”

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