Local footy: Glen Orden beat Wyndhamvale to keep WRFL Division 2 season alive

Glen Orden coach Nathan Moon has declared his side is “well and truly” in the race for finals after a stirring victory over Wyndhamvale despite playing with 16 for part of the game.

It might be second last on the ladder but Glen Orden coach Nathan Moon has declared his side’s season as well and truly alive.

The Hawks moved to a 3-7 record for the season after overcoming fellow finals contender Wyndhamvale 11.9 (75) to 9.6 (60).

The win keeps Glen Orden four points behind Newport who caused an upset of their own after getting the better of premiership contender Parkside by 10 points.

Despite being two games behind Newport and having a far less inferior percentage, Moon believes his side can still give the WRFL Division top four a shake in the back half of the season.

“Saturday was our grand final if we still wanted to be a finals contender,” he said.

“It was a big occasion for the club with past players day and the boys were able to deliver. Fortunately we were able to field our strongest side for at least six weeks. Getting guys back is going to help in the coming weeks.

“We’re going to play all of the sides above us which means we can control some part of what happens. But we can’t afford to have many slip ups and might have to beat a Parkside or Point Cook Centrals.

“Our season is well and truly alive. We’ve changed a few things in terms of how we want to move the footy and structuring up behind the ball which has helped put us in this position.

“I think we’re going to be able to get a run on.”

Kur Kur starred for Glen Orden. Picture: Aaron Cook

Moon said he could have named “22 players” in his side’s best after one of the Hawks’ most even team performances of the seasons.

But it was Kur Kur’s athleticism and versatility which stood out in pristine conditions.

“He usually plays on a wing but we threw him forward and he had a great impact,” Moon said.

“With his leaps, we think it’s difficult for almost anyone to match up on him. Kur is certainly a point of difference we can look to use with his attributes across the ground.”

At the other end of the ground, Glen Orden’s back six was also able to withstand a 15-minute period where the Hawks were forced to play with 16 men.

Two players were yellow carded by umpires after a melee broke out.

“A lot of credit needs to go to our defenders,” Moon said.

“They really kept us in the game during that tough period.”

Aaron Law continued his brilliant season with three goals while Jake Pettitt continued his impressive return to the club.

Pettitt had previously played for Werribee Centrals and Werribee Districts.

“Jake has been superb so far, he’s strength in the clearances has been fantastic to watch,” Moon said.

“Micka Giles played another good game as well. He’s been enjoying a good run of form in the last few weeks.”

Glen Orden will look to make it back-to-back wins against West Footscray next weekend while Wyndhamvale hosts Albion.