WRFL: Point Cook Centrals stay perfect with four-point win over Newport

Point Cook Centrals survived another major scare to stretch its unbeaten run to 18 matches but it was the mentality displayed by the players which impressed the coach most.

Point Cook Centrals are still perfect in 2022 – but only just.

The Sharks came from behind to end Newport’s Western Region League Division 2 finals hopes.

Newport appeared to be on track for its first finals appearance in the competition’s second tier when it led by 31 points at the 20-minute mark of the second term but the visitors rallied.

Sharks coach Dean Chambers said his side could have easily “put the cue in the rack”.

“Newport kicked a goal on the halftime siren and it got their crowd up and about,” he said.

“You could really sense the excitement among their supporters. It was a good character building win, the type of footy we’re going to get in the coming weeks.

“But the boys had it in the back of their mind the want to stay undefeated, it’s not something the coaches were speaking about.

“To win 18 games this year after only three last season is a real credit to the club. A lot of people have put in hard work to put us in this position.”

Mark Hanson of Point Cook Centrals.Pic: George Sal

Small forward Daniel Strnak was in brilliant form with four goals while Aaron Williams booted four of his own.

Mark Hanson chipped in with three of his own.

Cale Du Plessis was also among the players to win praise from the coach as Kwar Atar was named best afield.

“It was a good character win for us and the boys had to dig deep,” Chambers said.

“I thought Danny was excellent for us. His last two games in particular have been great to watch.

“Mitch Palma just keeps on playing great footy as well. But our group knows the job still isn’t done.”

Daniel Strnak kicked four goals. Pic: George Sal

The Sharks were without Jordan Bennett, Kieran Corrigan and Matt Wright who should all be available for next weekend’s second semi-final against Parkside.

“We toyed with the idea of resting guys but those boys were rested a couple of weeks ago,” Chambers said.

“But we thought that if we do win the first final, they’ll get the week off anyway. We’ve signed our captains for next year which was a bit of strategy to say all the boys are here for the long-term.

“Everyone has committed for next year which is a real positive sign of the direction we’re heading in.”

Newport finishes the season in fifth place after Wyndhamvale’s win over Albion.

Youssef El Hawli was named best afield for the home side.

Meanwhile, Jesse Bruce and Haidyn Shade also played well for Newport.