VAFA: How Parkdale Vultures plan to bounce back from big loss
Coming off its “worst quarter of footy” for over year, Parkdale Vultures coach Owen Lalor is backing in his players to reaffirm their premiership credentials.
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Parkdale Vultures coach Owen Lalor is assured his side remains a premiership threat despite playing its “worst quarter of footy” in over a year on Saturday.
The Vultures conceded seven goals to one in the final quarter against Glen Eira/Old McKinnon to eventually suffer a 17.19 (121) to 10.9 (69) defeat.
The result is a wild 225-point swing from when the sides last met in round 1.
The Vultures had eight changes to the team that played in round 1 and has grown accustomed to making that number of alterations in recent weeks.
But Lalor is confident once the Vultures can settle their side, they’ll be right back in the mix.
“The first third of the season, you saw that, our footy was as good as anyone’s in that first third of the year,” he said.
“There were some really impressive and pleasing results early and then unfortunately a couple of injuries, a couple of boys on trips, those things happen.
“It was infectious, when we got a few back we’d lose a few more, but it gave great opportunities to guys in our under-19s and our reserves have been awesome.
“There’s a positive that we’ve given a lot of guys a taste of senior football.”
The Vultures are looking forward to bouncing back after their poor finish to Saturday’s match and building some continuity before finals.
“Getting right for the first semi-final is the big one and then two, trying to play some really good, confident footy heading into the finals,” he said.
“We certainly let ourselves down, especially in the last quarter on Saturday, that was our worst quarter of footy for probably 12 months, even longer.
“We haven’t had a quarter like that for a long time so we’re really looking forward to responding this week against the top side, Old Carey.”
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