NFL grand final: Mark Kovacevic best on ground for West Preston-Lakeside
GRAND final hero Mark Kovacevic has revealed he went through “some dark days” as he plotted a return to football which culminated in premiership success on Saturday.
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GRAND final hero Mark Kovacevic has revealed he went through “some dark days” as he plotted a return to football from knee surgery.
The Coburg VFL-listed ruckman’s 2017 campaign was ruined by an ankle injury in Round 1 of the state league season and an ACL tear in Round 8 which sidelined him for about 11 months.
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The 22-year-old returned in Round 4 of the Northern Football League campaign, debuting for his aligned club West Preston-Lakeside.
Just over four months later, Kovacevic was named best on ground as he inspired the Roosters to their first premiership since 2010 with a nine-point victory over Macleod on Saturday.
“There were some dark days there, especially early on,” Kovacevic said.
“But I had some great guys there, physios and medical staff, both at Coburg and West Preston, who have really helped me along the journey.
“Finally being able to get back to the form I had before helped.”
The 204cm big man dominated the centre square duel in the decider, enjoying a distinct height advantage over Macleod’s Jack Langford.
Kovacevic’s presence allowed West Preston’s midfield an edge at stoppages, with Luke Lirosi, Patrick Karnezis and Michael Ercolano the beneficiaries.
His crowning moment came late in the third quarter when he flicked a boundary throw in over his head to Karnezis, who took the ball at full flight and snapped a goal to put the Roosters nine points in front.
“It doesn’t matter who I am rucking against, I try to make a big impact, both in the air and with the hit-outs around the stoppages,” Kovacevic said.
“I think I was able to do that today, but the midfield, I have got to give credit to them.
“If I just hit it to no one, it’s pretty useless. They were able to run onto it and take full advantage.”
West Preston-Lakeside coach Rob Maiorana lauded Kovacevic’s influence on the grand final.
“He was a warrior today. He willed himself to contests,” Maiorana said.
“He was out on his legs in that last quarter but we just needed him to keep pushing.
“He gave us first use and got the ball going our way out of the stoppages, which I thought was really important, and took a couple of important marks around the ground.”
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