VAFA 2018: Consecutive defeats leave Old Paradians with plenty to ponder in Division 2

VAFA Division 2 flag contender Old Paradians is “not panicking” despite suffering a 10-goal loss.

OLD Paradians is “not panicking” despite suffering a 10-goal loss on Saturday.

The Raiders produced a club record 14-match winning streak to start the VAFA Division 2 season, but the flag contender has since relinquished top spot after back-to-back defeats.

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Playing at Garvey Oval, the home side only trailed by a goal at halftime, before UHS-VU went on to kick nine of the 10 second-half majors and run out 13.14 (92) to 5.5 (35) winners.

Coach Ryan Smith said the opposition was simply “better on the day”.

“They won the contested ball,” he said.

“But we got an insight into how they play, so we can learn from that and come back in the second semi.”

Old Paradians coach Ryan Smith has not hit the panic button despite a hefty loss on Saturday. Picture: Mark Wilson

Assistant coach Stephen Fazekas said with his side missing a few players through injury, there was scope to regroup and improve before the Raiders turn their attention to finals.

“We have played two of the teams we thought we’d play in finals,” he said.

“Results haven’t gone our way, but we got to have a look at them and we will get a few players back.

“We are not panicking or anything. We still think everything’s on track.”

Those missing at the weekend included James Kandilakis, James Kappos and Matt Mahony, who is set to make a return after 10 weeks out.

Old Paradians and West Brunswick do battle. Picture: Mark Wilson.

Prolific goalkicker Michael Boundy, who has booted 50 majors this year, also didn’t play.

Will Gilmore impressed up forward after making the move from defence due to the lack of a tall target, while Andrew D’Souza made the most of his time in the midfield.

Skipper Chris Kandilakis also “seemed better for the run” in his third match back after missing eight weeks due to cheekbone fractures and concussion.

“We will just address a few little things going forward,” Fazekas said.

Paradians will look to rebound against fourth-placed Yarra Old Grammarians this week before rounding out the regular season at home against Eltham Collegians.