Reservoir starting to find connection, snaps two major droughts

Ominously for rivals, Reservoir is finding its feet and snapped two major droughts with a big win – but the reserves stole the show with an after-the-siren thriller.

Steve Smith in action for Reservoir. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Reservoir snapped two major droughts on Saturday with a thumping 56-point win over Heidelberg West.

However, it was arguably over-shadowed by the Mustangs’ reserves.

Jesse Wilson was the hero of the day as he kicked a behind after the siren to snatch victory.

It certainly hyped up the senior team, which burst out of the blocks with a six-goal-to-nil first quarter.

The 14.8 (92) to 4.12 (36) triumph was Reservoir’s first win over a NFNL Division 3 club other than Lalor since 2017, when it defeated Laurimar – then in its debut season.

It was also the club’s first back-to-back win since its 2015 premiership season, having beaten Lalor by 101 points last week.

Ex-AFL star Aaron Edwards booted seven goals for the second week in a row, only upstaged by Wilson’s match-winning kick.

Joshua Grabowski, Nick Miliaresis, Levi Greenwood, Rob Holland and Jack Sandric also impressed in the win.

In an ominous warning to competition rivals, Mustangs coach Rohan Davies said the players were starting to find their connection.

“The first couple of weeks, we weren’t necessarily disappointing, I think we just had that many new players,” Davies said.

“Even for me, from a coaching standpoint, to work out where everyone is going to play their best footy.

“I’ve got 10 guys that can play onball but you can’t have that in a game, so I’ve had to work out the four or five onballers and where the others can play.

“I think we’ve done really well with guys gelling.”

Reservoir coach Rohan Davies addressing players. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Reservoir held a 38-point lead at quarter-time and while Heidelberg West responded in the second term, the Hawks missed their chance – kicking 2.7.

The Mustangs kept West scoreless in the third quarter and finished strongly in the last.

While the arrival of Edwards, Greenwood, Grabowski and Ricky Dyson stole the headlines during the off-season, the Mustangs existing talent has also stepped up.

Already one of the top midfielders in the competition, Rob Holland has certainly found life easier with support, as has the likes of Steve Smith in defence.

After eight goals last week, James El Moussalli booted another three, while former captain Tom Hollaway has forced his way back into the senior team.

Davies praised the development of Miliaresis, who only came to Aussie Rules last year and is now one of the best most reliable players.

“Guys like Rob Holland, a multiple B&F winner at the club, he’s still playing onball so it’s not like the new guys have come in and pushed him out,” Davies said.

“He’s an absolute bull, he had a really good game, and he’s so well supported now.

“When you used to play Reservoir, if you stop Rob Holland you win the midfield battle, whereas having Joey Palazollo, Nick Miliaresis and Josh Grabowski – we’re dominant in that area now.

“I think that was Nick’s 12th game of football in his life, he was a soccer player, and he’s had 30-plus in the last two weeks.

“Steve Smith, playing down back too, last year he had to contend with 450 forward entries without too much support.

“This year he’s playing with a lot more freedom and courage and having a really good year, it’s easy to look at the big names up forward and in the middle but it’s guys like Steve that are super reliable and putting us in winning positions.”

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The Mustangs now sit seventh on the Division 3 ladder.

Reservoir face Kilmore and Kinglake in the next fortnight before a bye.

“We’re really looking forward to Kilmore, they definitely had it over us last year,” Davies said.

“Any Paul Derrick-coached side is committed and well-drilled, so it will be a good test for us and for them as well if they want to be seen as a contender.”