WRFL Division 2: Point Cook Centrals too good for Parkside

The “heart and soul” of Point Cook Centrals has starred in his side’s monster win over Parkside as coach Dean Chambers credited the selfless role of one of his players.

Point Cook Centrals are flying.

It’s at the point where even the side many tipped to be there biggest challenger, Parkside, were no match.

The highly anticipated WRFL Division 2 clash quickly turned into a fizzer as the Sharks ran out 13.11 (89) to 3.4 (22) win on the back of a seven-goal to one opening term.

Despite the scoreline, Point Cook Centrals coach Dean Chambers was most impressed with the selflessness of his side.

It was Haidyn Shade’s willingness to take one for the team which helped set the tone for the victory.

Shade played a key role in keeping Parkside star Shaun Campbell “accountable” at stoppages according to Chambers.

“He put his hand up during the week and said he wanted to take the job,” he said.

“It meant Campbell had to go through someone at stoppages and I thought Haidyn was able to limit his influence on the contest.

“In the second half, we encouraged him to spread from stoppages more and it saw him get more of the footy as the game went on.”

Point Cook Centrals’ Daniel Mutton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

While Chambers was impressed with an “old school team effort”, it wasn’t the Sharks big names who stood out throughout the afternoon.

Cale Du Plessis, co-captain Nathan Williams, Matt Turner and Kwar Atar were all named among the better players for the home side.

Chambers said it was Kwar’s dominance in the ruck which helped to set the tone early for his side.

“We kicked our first goal after about 20 seconds and it lifted the energy across all lines,” he said.

“Later in the first quarter, Kwar had a hit out which he smashed about 20m forward and then one of the boys swooped on it and goaled.

“His energy really helped give us first use out of the middle of the ground.”

Point Cook Centrals celebrate a goal. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Former captain Luke Henderson was again one of his side’s most important players — being named among the best for the fourth game running.

Chambers said his ability to win contested balls had allowed teammates including Mitch Palma to do damage on the outside.

“He’s the heart and soul of our footy club,” he said.

“He has a lot of respect from the boys and is still in our leadership group because of that.

“Not being the captain has actually taken the shackles off a bit and has allowed him to play some really good footy this season.”

Parkside’s Bradley Graham and Point Cook Centrals’ Kwar Ater battled all day in the ruck. Picture: Andy Brownbill

The Sharks finished with nine different goalkickers for the afternoon with Palma, Daniel Strnak, Jordan Bennett and Max Pritchard all finishing with two apiece.

Meanwhile, they were able to hold Parkside scoreless after halftime.

“It’s a real credit to our backline and our midfielders for working back,” Chambers said.

“Our team defence is a real focus area of ours because we use it to set up our offence.”

Point Cook Centrals also reported a clean bill of health after the game.

For Parkside, Jonah Vraca, Ned Fraser, Ty Priest and Mick Jubb all battled hard as Jackson Lesko kicked two goals.

The Sharks will look to make it eight straight wins against Glen Orden as Parkside aims to bounce back against Wyndhamvale.