Big name recruits set to return for Sunshine Heights in back half of the season

Sunshine Heights is in a strong position for a surge in the second half of the season as it prepares to unleash its biggest recruit. See why there is so much optimism.

Wilson Hylton impressed with four goals.

Sunshine Heights coach Stephen O’Malley believes his side is in a strong position to push for a top-five place later in the season.

Heading into the long weekend bye, the Dragons sixth on the ladder with a 4-4 record as they wait for reinforcements to arrive.

O’Malley’s side secured a 14-point win over the Suns on the weekend to close the gap on the WFNL finals places to percentage only.

That was despite the absences of leading goalkicker Jackson Viola and John Whitehouse — two prominent figures in the season’s early stages.

Headline off-season recruit Harley Armstrong-Weston is also yet to play a game this season but the club is hopeful he could return for the second half of he year.

“We just haven’t been able to get our best side on the park but every team has injury issues,” O’Malley said.

“Consistency has been our biggest challenge, we’ve been playing well in patches. We’ve always got confidence in the 22 we’re putting out on the ground.

“We’ve got a next man up mentality when it comes to filling the side.

“It will be good to get Harley and Jacko out there on the ground together, it’s something we’re looking forward to.”

The Dragons threatened to run away with the game after leading by 42 points at the main break before the Suns produced an impressive second half comeback which ultimately fell short.

“We copped a few injuries during the game and that probably left us a little short on rotations,” O’Malley said.

“But a credit to the Suns, they’ve been a good side for the last few years and are always difficult to beat.”

Wilson Hylton played a key role in the absence of Viola on the weekend with a game-high four goals to earn the praise of O’Malley.

“His forward pressure is outstanding, he just plays on instinct,” he said.

After the week off, Sunshine Heights face North Footscray who the coach declared as the second best side in the competition right now.

WILDLY INACCURATE

Braybrook will be thankful Wyndhamvale didn’t have its kicking boots on Saturday as the premiership favourites booted 15.27 (117) to 3.2 (20). It was a game which season competition leading goalkicker Lewis Stanton held to an equal season-low of two.

ALBANVALE YOUNG GUN’S STRONG SHOWING

Albanvale recruit Zachary Papamihail produced arguably his best performance of the season since crossing from Keilor with a three-goal outing against Laverton. He was named among the better players as the youngster showed why he has plenty of promise.

SHARP’S FINE SEASON CONTINUES

EJ Sharp is enjoying a fine season for West Footscray after again being named in the best during his side’s win over the Western Rams. He’s on a strong run of form, now named in the best in four out of the last five games.

JOHNS ON FIRE FOR THE DEVILS

Jarrod Johns is continuing to be a key figure in North Footscray’s hopes this season. On Saturday, he booted six goals in a best on ground display as the Devils secured a big win over Tarneit. He’s been in the best five times this year.