Local footy: Point Cook overcomes Sunshine in WRFL Division 1 clash
Point Cook’s young guns are thriving as the battle to avoid the drop to Division 2 heats up with a debutant winning strong praise from his coach after a big win over Sunshine.
Western
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Point Cook’s young talent is thriving in the battle for WRFL Division 1 survival.
The Dogs unearthed another gem on Saturday in a big 11.10 (76) to 9.9 (63) win over Sunshine to go one game clear of the Roos in the relegation battle.
Young gun James McVey dazzled in his senior debut leading coach Brett Jacobs claiming he “looked like someone who had played 100 games”.
“Jimmy was fantastic and handled himself really well in a very important game for us,” Jacobs said.
“He was really composed with the footy in his hands and did the little things right.
“Then you’ve got the other young guys including Heath Schiavello and Jim Botsaris who are getting better with every game they play.
“We’re a developing club with the number of young guys in our senior side and we want to stay in Division 1.
“We’ve been competitive this season but we’ve just had a couple of bad weeks where we’ve let ourselves down.
“It takes time to become a top club but we know we’ve improved this year. We’ve got two wins to our name after winning just one last season.”
Point Cook welcomed several key players back for the clash including Chris Sivanesan, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith and Elliott Wood.
Former Richmond player Eggmolesse-Smith was once again impressive according to Jacobs.
But the Dogs mentor was most impressed with the performance of captain Nick Buyx who was named the best player on the ground.
He has been in his side’s best in every game since round 1.
“He’s been super,” Jacobs said.
“He gave us real drive across the ground. It’s really pleasingly when your skipper stands up in these types of games.”
Josh Kuppen, who is in his first full season of senior footy, continued his strong form as an undersized ruckman.
“We don’t have a true big man and Josh is competing for four quarters every week — I can’t ask much more of him,” Jacobs said.
Sunshine threatened to overturn a 29-point three-quarter-time deficit with a strong breeze behind them but in the end the Dogs found enough, kicking two goals into the breeze.
“Our second quarter, where we kicked four goals into the wind, was big for us and was probably the difference in the end,” Jacobs said.
“It was a big week for our footy club and it was nice to cap it off with a win.”
For Sunshine, Ethan Sivijs, Patrick O’Keefe, Hisham Kerbatieh (four goals), Tom Mundy, Daniel Torcia and Charly Williams were named in the better players.
Point Cook faces a big test against Werribee Districts on June 18 after a week off.
Meanwhile, Sunshine will take on Hoppers Crossing.
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