WRFL: Parkside overcome Wyndhamvale behind Jonah Vraca’s brilliance

A Parkside defender has been labelled a “super talent” by his coach as he continued his fantastic season while a former league medallist showed his class inside 50.

Parkside coach Chris Muratore couldn’t speak any higher of Jonah Vraca.

“Super talent, super bloke,” he said of his star defender after the Magpies’ bounce back 14.15 (99) to 7.6 (48) win over Wyndhamvale.

Vraca was named best for the second game running, a week after Parkside was pushed aside by Point Cook Centrals in a highly anticipated clash.

He has been named in the best in six of Parkside’s seven WRFL Division 2 games this season.

“He’s a fantastic centre half back,” Muratore said.

“Jonah is rarely beaten and as a coach I have full confidence in him to be able to halve a contest.

“His year so far has been super.”

Jy Lambley has been outstanding for Parkside. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Following last week’s big loss, Muratore “put it on a few guys” to lift their performances as the Magpies aimed to get back on the winners list.

Among those was midfielder Nathan Montague who finished with four goals.

Muratore said it was his “best game of the year”.

“I thought he responded really well after our conversations during the week,” he said.

“His balance between midfield and forward was really good on Saturday. He had real sticky hands when he went forward and importantly was able to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal.

“We were disappointed with how we went about it last week and it was really important for us to bounce back.

“It had been our biggest focus during the week at training.”

Jackson Barrett. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Off-season recruit Jy Lambley continued his impressive season, again named among the Magpies’ better players, after finishing with two goals.

Michael Jubb, Tom Markey and Brent Kelly were also impressive in the 51-point win.

Parkside sits two games clear of third placed North Footscray giving them the upper hand in the race for the double chance.

“It’s important to have that breathing space early in the season,” Muratore said.

“Given it’s our first long season in a few years, we’re going to need every little advantage.”