After 1344 days Mark Kovacevic makes winning return for West Preston-Lakeside

After almost four years out of the game, Mark Kovacevic made a successful return to help West Preston-Lakeside claim a heart-stopping win.

Mark Kovacevic in action for West Preston-Lakeside. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Mark Kovacevic certainly won’t forget his return to football quickly.

It had been 1344 days since the West Preston-Lakeside big man last took to the field in NFNL Division 1 as he recovered from a serious knee injury.

And the Roosters marked the occasion in style with a heart-stopping three-point win over Greensborough at JE Moore Oval.

In a thrilling finish, Mohammed Yassine pounced on an errant kick before dishing off to Chris Ryall to snap the winning goal.

Kovacevic said there was a wave of relief as the siren sounded on the 10.10 (70) to 9.13 (67) victory.

Alex Federico in action for West Preston-Lakeside. Picture: George Sal

“Watching from the bench it was certainly nerve-racking, we still had a little bit of time on the clock we had to manage to secure the win, so it was a massive relief.

“(Coach Luke Giles) said before the game we were going to have to play the full 120 minutes to get the job done and evidently that was the case.”

For Kovacevic, it was a successful, if “rusty” return.

The 27-year-old had not played since Round 18, 2019 when he succumbed to what turned out to be an ACL rupture.

However, after a strong pre-season, he started the game in the ruck and made an important contribution against Greensborough’s twin talls.

He admitted to some strong nerves during the week but settled well once the game started.

“Some of the boys certainly picked up, even on the Thursday, and on the day of the game I was nervous.

“It’s been such a long time, I mentioned to some of the boys that I’d forgotten how to prepare for the game but it was good to have that first spell in the middle to get that out of the way.

Adam Valeri is tackled by Angus Seivers. Picture: George Sal

“Thankfully I pulled up pretty well,” he said.

“Jamie (Smith) and Nathan (Howard) certainly gave me a good welcome back, particularly in the second half.

“To get through – and more importantly for the team to get four points – was obviously good but I’ve still got a lot of work to do.

“Hopefully with a few more games under the belt, get some continuity back, that rustiness will wear off and I can get back to some of my previous form.”

Kovacevic rucked much of the game with Rosbrook Medallist Matthew Harman sidelined with an injury picked up in pre-season.

The pair have worked closely together in recent years and Kovacevic expects to take a back seat once Harman returns.

“Harmo is an unbelievable fella, he’s always been very complimentary of me even when I haven’t been playing,” Kovacevic said.

“Full credit to him what he’s done the last two years, he’s blossomed into a fine ruckman and capped off last year with a Frank Rosbrook Medal.

“He’s definitely taken the mantle and run with it so I’ll be taking orders from him and slot in behind, it will be great to play with him.”

West Preston-Lakeside jumped out to an early 13-point lead before Greensborough responded in the second term, reducing the margin to four points.

A three-goal third term proved decisive as the Roosters led by 13 points at three-quarter-time.

What had been a tight arm-wrestle broke open in the final term with seven goals between the teams as the Borough battled back to take a late lead.

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However, Ryall’s third goal of the day sealed a memorable victory.

Max Dreher was West’s best in victory, along with Alex Federico, Ryall and Aiden Tilley.

Jordan Smith was Greensborough’s best in defeat, while Joel Trudgeon, Andrew Stellas and Harrison Andronaco also impressed.

The Roosters face promotion winners Banyule at AK Lines Reserve in Round 4, while Greensborough will host Heidelberg.