VAFA: Albert Park have won six games on the trot ahead of the bye

Albert Park has won six games on the trot to storm into VAFA finals contention as coach Jack Amies reveals what has clicked for his side. Plus, we break down the key players leading the charge.

Albert Park have won six straight games. (Photo by Dennis Timm/VAFA Media)

Albert Park have almost been flying under the radar.

Six straight wins have the Falcons on the cusp of the VAFA Division 3 top-four, sitting on the outside looking in on percentage.

They’re only a game back from the all important double chance, for finishing in the top-two as well.

Since Round 2, coach Jack Amies has led his side to an 8-2 record and the upturn in form has been no shock to the man in charge after a host of new faces walked through the door in the off-season.

In the run home, the Falcons will face ladder leader Power House and fourth place Richmond Central in a game which shapes as an “eight-pointer”.

“A few weeks ago, everyone probably thought the top-four was locked in based on how the results had been going,” Amies said.

“But the next six weeks is going to be a sprint now. We want to finish second because that double chance is so important. Everything has started to come together for us.

“That chemistry has really started to build and it probably took a few weeks longer than we would have liked.

“Looking back, maybe an extra practice match would have been good, but it’s all started to come together now.”

The Falcons had a moment to celebrate over the weekend when star recruit Tom Wilson pulled on the Big V for the VAFA in their extra time thriller against the Bendigo Football League.

Wilson, who crossed from Fitzroy at the start of the season, was the third Falcons representative in history to earn the honour.

He’s been a brilliant pick up this season with a team-high 31 goals.

“He’s traditionally been a wingman but we thought he’d best suit us up forward,” Amies said.

“There are moments where he might go through the middle but he’s been superb as a target for us. We were thrilled to see him play in that game.”

OTHER FALCONS IMPRESSING THIS SEASON

Harry Miller: Has slotted in across halfback after coming to the Falcons from Nunawading. He’s dominated the last six games and helped to lighten the load of Henry Olive who shouldered a large defensive load last season.

Lewis Parker: Lines up in the back pocket but is able to stream out of defence and hurt opposition sides with his beautiful foot skills.

Will Zaghis: Only played seven games but has led the way as his side’s key small forward and has booted 16 majors for the season.

‘Achieved nothing yet’: Monders flying with big headaches to come

Sitting on top of the ladder, three games clear, Ormond coach Kyle Pinto has every reason to be happy.

But he knows the headaches might only just be starting to come.

The Monders kept their perfect record alive with a four-point win over fellow VAFA Division 1 contender Old Peninsula.

Pinto’s next challenge is getting four key players including Harrison Burt, Lachlan Crnogorac, Ethan Hanley and captain BJ Hardwick.

“We’ve achieved nothing yet and we’ve made it no secret yet we want to get into C-grade,” Pinto said.

“This was a real finals like game, it was a really fierce contest and I don’t think either side would have walked away and said we played our best footy.

“We’ve used 42 players so far this year and we’ve made it clear to the guys, they’re working towards consolidating places in the team.

“Finals isn’t something we’ve focused on, it’s about trying to get better everything week. We only one quarter on the weekend and there’s clearly so much we can still improve on.”

Pinto hailed the impact of his defence on the weekend for standing tall against a quality Old Peninsula forward line.

“Jeremy Simon and Matt Oaten were our highest ball winners,” he said.

“Simon is usually the intercepting type and Oaten is at full back. They did a magnificent job. Maston Thatcher played a role on their gun, Bailey Payze, who is a high quality player and he kicked three goals but I thought it was quite an even match-up.

“Mason is only 17 and would have learnt a lot playing against him. Bailey is a star. He’s someone you love to watch but can be a nightmare to coach against.”

Ormond’s Ryan Konstanty. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Among the goalkickers for Ormond was Tom Nicholls, a new face to the club this season, with three.

He now has 27 in seven outings.

“He’s had a few injury issues,” Pinto said.

“Super on the lead as a real small powerful forward.”

Ormond will take on UHS-VU after the bye.

THERRY’S BIG WIN IN RELEGATION BATTLE

Therry Penola took a big step towards potential safety after securing a 16-point win over Monash Blues. The win moved the Lions to within a game and percentage of the Blues who currently occupy eighth spot. Nathan Thomas was named the best player on the ground in the win while Glen Widdicombe was also impressive.

VULTURES ON THE IMPROVE

UHS-VU showed why it will be such a dangerous opponent on the run home after securing a 35-point win over Brunswick on the weekend. The Vultures booted 5.5 in the last quarter to run away with the game. They managed to hold Brunswick to just three scoring shots in the second half. Skipper Ben Dimattina was the best player on the ground while Brandon Jackson booted five.

CANTERBURY OPEN A GAP

If Canterbury keeps playing the sort of footy it is, they will remain safe in Division 2. The Cobras recorded a 76-point win over Hawthorn to open a two-game gap between themselves the Hawks and the relegation zone. Young gun Ryder Daffy continued his brilliant introduction to the competition with five goals while Michael Wheeler was named the best player on the ground.

MEET THE NEW COBRAS FORWARD TARGET

Old Yarra Cobras have rolled a new forward out in recent weeks and he’s going to add another dimension in the premiership push. Jackson Lesko has played the last three games for the ladder leader and booted five on the weekend. He’s a mobile forward who is capable of high flying marks. He’s now got eight goals in three outings. Lesko last played for Parkside in the Western league.

A FINALS PREVIEW?

Wattle Park claimed a 17-point win over Richmond Central in what could be a finals potential preview. The Animals were led by Matthew Hill who was best on ground while Harry Davis booted three goals. The win sees them remain behind North Brunswick on percentage in the race for second and the double chance.