Northcote Park stays in touch with Northern Football League Division 1 top five with thumping win over Eltham
NORTHCOTE Park’s Northern Football League season officially has a pulse.
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NORTHCOTE Park’s season officially has a pulse.
The Cougars’ chances of a Northern Football League finals berth would have been remote had they lost to Eltham on Saturday and slipped two games outside the Division 1 top five.
After going down to previously winless Whittlesea in Round 9, the odds were against Northcote Park.
But the Cougars have faced several setbacks already this year and managed to remain competitive.
On Saturday, Northcote Park produced a six-goal final quarter to kick clear of the Panthers and triumph convincingly, 13.11 (89) to 5.5 (35), at Bill Lawry Oval.
“We had a lot of guys that were really selfless in what they did and played for the team,” coach Harmit Singh said.
“Individually they got some good rewards on the back of that which was pleasing.
“We definitely needed that win to help get our season going again.”
Key forward Aaron Shaw was the catalyst for the 54-point win, slotting 4.4 and providing constant headaches for Eltham’s defence.
Shaw’s influence brought small forward Mannon Johnston (three goals) into the contest, while the inclusion of Essendon VFL vice-captain Ben McNiece also strengthened the Cougars’ stocks.
“His ability to bring the ball to ground and compete, the same with Tom Jackson, makes life a little bit easier for Johnston and co as our smalls,” Singh said.
“(Shaw) has been away, he’s come back now and I’m sure he will finish the year strongly.
“He's very athletic and he gives our guys a bit of spark. He’s a great competitor and I thought he led from the front in our forward 50.”
The victory kept the Cougars in touch with the top five ahead of a crunch game against West Preston-Lakeside (sixth) on Sunday.
“They’re a really strong team, they’ve got a lot of class players and are really well coached,” Singh said.
“We’re just going to have to keep maintaining a high level if we’re going to come away with the points next weekend.
“Hopefully the win on the weekend against Eltham will give us some confidence.”
The Roosters were humbled by Montmorency on Saturday, losing by 64 points.
Macleod, Heidelberg and Whittlesea were the other winners in Division 1, the Eagles defeating Bundoora in a boilover to move one game clear of bottom spot.
In Division 2, Lionel Proctor led Fitzroy Stars to a 14.11 (95) to 10.9 (69) victory over Panton Hill.
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