NFL 2018: West Preston-Lakeside’s forward depth on show in Division 1 victory over Hurstbridge

WEST Preston-Lakeside showcased the depth of its firepower in a 112-point Northern Football League victory over Hurstbridge on Saturday.

Mathew Vincitorio (centre) of West Preston-Lakeside charges forward on Saturday. Picture: James Ross.

WEST Preston-Lakeside showcased the depth of its firepower in a 112-point Northern Football League victory over Hurstbridge on Saturday.

Without leading goalkicker Ahmed Saad, who was serving the second week of a two-match ban for misconduct, the Roosters piled on 16 first-half goals in a 26.9 (165) to 7.11 (53) rout.

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The contest was over by the main break when West Preston led by 78 points as Jackson Clarke, Nathan Valladares, Luke Lirosi and Brendan Dufficy contributed three goals apiece in former St Kilda small forward Saad’s absence.

Max Dreher boots West Preston-Lakeside out of defence during its clash with Hurstbridge. Picture: James Ross.

The Roosters had an impressive 10 multiple goalkickers, with Ozgur Uysal, Aidan Tilley, Michael Ercolano and Mitch Crapper among a group of six players who booted two majors.

While Saad has logged 36 goals in 8 games this year, Liam McVeigh (23), Lirosi (13), Uysal (13) and Josh Novelli (11) are also in double figures.

Regular key defender Clarke was arguably the biggest positive out of the victory over Hurstbridge and looms as a potential wildcard in attack for the Roosters.

Only Division 1 ladder leader Macleod — which has won its past 12 matches — has a better percentage than West Preston-Lakeside.

Mitch Crapper (centre) was among the goalkickers in West Preston-Lakeside’s huge win.

The Roosters percentage sits at 151.2 after Saturday’s thumping, giving them an edge over three other teams with 7-6 records.

West Preston jumped from seventh to fourth as a result of its win over the Bridges and heads a group of teams on 28 points which consists of Bundoora, Northcote Park and Heidelberg.

The Roosters are one game behind Greensborough and North Heidelberg ahead of their Round 14 meeting with minor premier-elect Macleod.

West Preston’s Round 18 clash against the Boro looms as a potential decider in the race for a double chance.

West Preston-Lakeside coach Rob Maiorana addresses his team on Saturday.

Hurstbridge is locked in a relegation battle after Whittlesea drew level on eight points with a nine-point win against Montmorency.

Shane Harvey kicked eight goals, including his 900th for North Heidelberg, in the Dogs’ 33-point win over local rival Heidelberg.

Greensborough defeated Northcote Park by 55 points and Macleod ended Bundoora’s winning run with a 33-point victory.