VAFA 2018: Parkside building belief as it prepares to launch into Division 4 finals
PARKSIDE is one win away from clinching a top-two finish in VAFA Division 4 after a 42-point victory against Box Hill North on Saturday.
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PARKSIDE is one win away from clinching a top-two finish in VAFA Division 4 after a 42-point victory against Box Hill North on Saturday.
The Devils kicked six goals to one after halftime at Pitcher Park to prevail 8.19 (67) to 3.7 (25).
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The visitors were restricted to 1.3 after quarter-time as Parkside wrested control in midfield and its defence stood tall.
“In the first half, they created their own momentum,” Devils coach Rick Frost said.
“It was not until halftime (when) we started to put back with some resistance.”
Half-back flanker Cameron McFadyen’s drive out of defence ignited Parkside, while Adam Wells and Harry Dehne helped their side kick clear.
Parkside has a 12-4 record after 16 games to be eight points clear of St Francis Xavier in second.
One victory against either South Melbourne Districts or Mt Lilydale in the last two rounds will be enough for the Devils to book a major semi-final against minor premier North Brunswick.
The top-two sides have met twice this year, with Parkside going down by 62 points in Round 6 and 26 points in Round 15.
Frost said his team recognised the challenge the Bulls presented, but would not be daunted should they clash come finals.
“The players have a great belief,” he said.
“There’s no challenge too big in their minds. (North) Brunswick are the benchmark, there’s no doubt about it.
“All the sides talk about them being the benchmark. We have just got to arrive and be at our best.”
Frost said the Bulls’ speed of ball movement had been crucial to their brilliant season, sitting three games clear on top.
“They can go coast to coast in a way that no other team in our division can,” he said.
Frost highlighted the efforts of McFadyen and full back Anthony Waters, while the return of rover Marco Creek from injury has boosted Parkside’s midfield stocks.
Teenage Cody Lawson, a recent addition to the senior team, has also been in strong form.
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