West Preston-Lakeside sends warning to finals rivals with win over Montmorency

West Preston-Lakeside came from fourth to win the premiership in 2019 and it will need to again this season … starting with an old foe on Sunday.

Can history repeat for West Preston-Lakeside?

The Roosters didn’t start 0-6 this season but they will begin their NFL Division 1 premiership campaign from fourth, just as they did in 2019.

It means every week is an elimination final for the two-time reigning premier – or three-time if you include last season’s “minor premiership”.

And it’s hard not to see the parallels with 2019 given West Preston-Lakeside begins with an elimination final grand final rematch against Greensborough on Sunday.

To claim a third consecutive flag, they’ll have to go through the Borough, Heidelberg, Bundoora and Montmorency.

Adam Valeri gets a kick away for West Preston-Lakeside. Picture: Andy Brownbill

However, that is far from coach Rob Maiorana’s mind.

“We’re coming from a long way back in an elimination final so we’re fully focused on Greensborough,” he said.

“We’ll reset if we’re fortunate enough to get the job done and look at the next opponent and it would be a pretty tough month to go through all of them.

“What ever happens I’m pretty proud of the group, we’ve had a challenging year.

“We’ve beaten Bundoora, Greensborough and Montmorency going in so there’s some belief but obviously the top three teams have been standouts all year.

“You can pick up a little bit of momentum along the way and we’re pretty battle hardened but it will be difficult to knock over Heidelberg, Bundoora and Montmorency come finals.”

The Roosters sent a warning to their premiership rivals on Saturday, knocking off third-placed Montmorency by 12 points at Montmorency Park.

Trailing by four points at three-quarter-time, West Preston-Lakeside kicked three goals to nil to claim a 13.12 (90) to 11.12 (78) victory.

Matthew Harman jumps over Sam Indian. Picture: Andy Brownbill

It’s a significant scalp with the Magpies near full-strength after welcoming back skipper Sam Binion, Lin Jong and Darcy Porter back for the match.

Aiden Tilley continued his outstanding season with three goals, while Adam Valeri and Matthew Belbasis were critical in midfield.

Tilley has helped fill the void left by Ahmed Saad, with the star goalkicker likely to miss the finals series with a knee injury.

“Yeah, he’ll (Saad) struggle to get back in time so we’re planning without him,” Maiorana said.

“We’ll see what happens over the next couple of weeks, how far we go.

“I’ve said all along, we’re not reliant on just one player – albeit a very good player – whoever crosses the white line on Saturday will contribute.

“Aiden’s been good, he’s stepped up in a leadership perspective, taken on more responsibility and been consistent throughout the year.

“On the weekend he was predominantly the main target but we’ve tried to mix it up and have some different options, we’re still trying to figure out what our best look is.”

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Defender Aaron Tsarouhas and premiership player Daniel Costanzo are in the running to return for the elimination final at Preston City Oval.

West Preston-Lakeside has had a draw and 17-point win over Greensborough this season.

Jai Robinson was Montmorency’s best in defeat, while Jesse Donaldson, Billy Jenkin and Lin Jong also stood tall. Patrick Fitzgerald booted four goals to snare the goalkicking award.

The Magpies will face Bundoora in a qualifying final at Preston City Oval on Saturday.