Southern league Division 3: Clayton hands Black Rock first loss

Five newcomers helped Clayton defeat Black Rock and Ashwood laid 92 tackles as it got past Endeavour Hills.

Ashwood sings the song after defeating Endeavour Hills. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Clayton played three first-gamers last week and two more on Saturday.

And the five fresh faces helped the Clays to a stirring victory over the previously undefeated Black Rock in the Round 6 SFNL clash at Clayton Reserve.

Jason Smith said it was the best win he’d had as coach of Clayton, after it held on to win 8.20 (68) to 9.11 (65).

The Jets roared home with the last four goals of the match, through Brenton Rafferty (two goals), Ned Fallon and Cooper Ferries.

The Clays had excellent contributors in midfielder Nick Parisi, 16-year-old half forward Brody Smith (son of the coach), Luke Coad (three goals) and defender Ash Plozza, who kept clamps on star Black Rock forward Donehue before Michael Donehue went off with a hamstring injury.

Endeavour Hills coach Matt Peake at the huddle on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Parisi was unstoppable at the stoppages.

“That’s the best win we’ve had since I took on the job,’’ Smith declared.

“I know we had a big win against Hampton Park (in 2019) to stop their undefeated run but that was a torrential-downpour sort of day and almost like junior footy, five goals to four sort of thing.

“But on Saturday we were depleted and had to hang in there. I saw signs of it last week against Ashwood … I had confidence we could do it. We had a plan to be in the game at three-quarter time and test them in the fourth quarter, which no one had been able to do. Credit to them, they kept coming. They’ve got a bit of ticker.’’

In the previous round Clayton had introduced Flynn McGaw, 17-year-old Brodie Addison and Campbell Bryan to senior ranks.

On Saturday it brought it two more debutants, Hayden Ross and Tom Delaney.

“Injuries create opportunities, and I’m super-excited for the guys taking their opportunity,’’ Smith said.

“Because when the injured guys are ready to come back, the depth we’ve got is going to create massive headaches at selection.’’

Sam McLean pulls in a mark for Endeavour Hills against Ashwood. Picture: Valeriu Campan

At Barry Simon Reserve, Ashwood overcame Endeavour Hills 10.11 (71) to 5.9 (39), thanks largely to another six goals from Jack Purcell.

The former Eastern league forward now has 45 goals from six matches this season.

But the Magpies’ superiority started further up their ground: they laid 92 tackles.

Ace forward Jack Purcell marks for Ashwood. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Coach Nick Morrey said it was a terrific performance from his team, which lost captain Jake Chapman to injury 10 minutes into the game.

“When we went down there in 2019, the score in the two games was 233 to 55, in total, their way,’’ he said.

“To turn it around, and without Patty Carroll (broken nose), is hopefully a defining moment and turning point for our club.

“It reaffirmed to everyone internally that we’re on the right track and taking a lot of positive steps. Fantastic victory at what I was calling the graveyard, just because we seem to get pumped every time we go down there.’’

Zak Hattersley, a product of the juniors, made his senior debut and kicked a goal.

Josh Cardamone takes a kick for Ashwood. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Falcons, fifth on the ladder at 4-2, lost key forwards Jarrod Morolla and Alex Cann before half time, adding to an injury list that is testing depth.

Captain Nathan Strom (broken foot) and vice-captain Nathan Reid are among those watching on.

Endeavour Hills coach Matt Peake said his team turned the ball over too often against a strong opponent.

“That was disappointing, those turnovers, and we didn’t capitalise on any opportunities we had and Ashwood did, and they made us pay,’’ he said.

“Maybe the last quarter we got some scoreboard respectability back but the game was gone by then.’’

The Falcons have three senior teams this year (as well as Under 19s and women) and despite the injury toll Peake said the club was still selecting competitive sides each week.

“But there comes a point in time where, if you keep getting these injuries, there’s a breaking point. I don’t think we’ve hit that yet but it does make it tough,’’ he said.

Ben Swift played another fine game for the Falcons, earning praise from Peake.

“I love him,’’ he said. “You just know what you’re going to get from him. He puts hos body on the line every time. He’s definitely a favourite.’’

Josh McCleary, up from the reserves, did best for the home team.