WRFL: Parkside outclass North Footscray as Jackson Barrett thrives
A Parkside star is looming as one of the WRFL recruits of the year as he continued his dominant start to the season as the premiership contender unveiled another new face.
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Jackson Barrett is quickly establishing himself as one of the best players in Division 2 of the WRFL.
The former St Bernards midfielder has been dominant to start the season being named among the better players in each of Parkside’s four wins.
He continued his fantastic form in his side’s 12.13 (85) to 5.10 (40) win against North Footscray at Hansen Reserve on Saturday in a performance which included a goal.
Parkside coach Chris Muratore said he was pleased to see his side’s “hard” pursuit of his new star man pay off.
“He’s been super,” he said.
“He runs and spreads as well as anyone in our side and is a really difficult player to match up on.
“But the most important thing is that he leads so well.
“It’s fantastic to see him playing some great footy.”
Muratore also heaped praise on Ed Pearson’s performance after he was named the best player on the ground.
“I thought it was the best game he has played in Parkside colours,” Muratore said.
Sam Dukic, Matthew Chen, Luke Vraca and Jonah Vraca were also impressive as the Magpies kicked five goals to none in the last quarter.
They are now one of only two undefeated teams in the division alongside Point Cook Centrals.
“Coaching is a lot easier when you’re winning,” Muratore said.
“I don’t think we’re playing the greatest footy at the moment and the boys still adjusting to each other has something to do with that.
“Some of this group have only played 10 games together in three years so it’s still going to take time.
“I think our fitness is at its highest and you are seeing that in the way we have been able to run out games this season.”
Included in Parkside’s line-up for the first time was key forward Ty Priest who has previously kicked 100 goals in the competition.
He kicked the first goal of the game.
“He’s a very smart player and a better person,” Muratore said.
“’Priesty” will give us another dimension inside forward 50 and that’s just another group who are learning to play together.”
Grant Wilson made his senior debut for the Magpies as the club’s 23rd player.
For North, Scott Eldridge was named the best player on the ground.
Jack Cairns, Jake Clark, David Allitt, Adam Petridis and Joel Richardson also battled hard.
Parkside will now look to make it five straight wins against West Footscray as North aims to get back to winning ways against Point Cook Centrals.
In other matches, Wyndhamvale (116) were too good for Albion (49), Glen Orden (102) comfortably accounted for West Footscray (31) and Centrals (152) outclassed Newport (70).