WRFL: Why Parkside star is enjoying a hot start to the season
Parkside coach Chris Muratore has pinpointed the reasons why one of his players with “so much x-factor” is enjoying such a strong start to the season.
Western
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Parkside are starting to see the very best of John Atar.
The Magpies big man has enjoyed a standout start to the season which has seen him named in the best in three out of four Western Region league games.
He has been best on ground in the last two weeks in wins over North Footscray and Wyndhamvale.
His performance in the 4.11 (35) to 5.4 (34) win over the Falcons came at a critical time.
Fellow big men Bradley Graham and Luca Winkel, a young tall who joined from Strathmore before this season, both suffered ankle injuries.
Parkside coach Chris Muratore lauded the influence of Atar in the opening month.
“He’s another one of those guys who has been really driven since losing the grand final,” he said.
“There’s so much x-factor about the way he plays footy and this is probably the fittest he has even been. It’s allowed him to go to another level so far this season.
“In games last year, there were times where he would probably get tired and his influence would drop off but we haven’t seen that this season.”
Muratore admits there is plenty of room for improvement in his side after Saturday’s victory with several key players expected to return to the side in coming weeks.
Harvey Daniher and Lachlan Langwell were both unavailable for the clash while Ben Ashman was given a week off.
Ned Fraser and Karl Staudt both returned to the side after missing the win over North Footscray.
“I thought those two guys who came back in were super,” Muratore said.
“We’re taking the long-term approach with our guys this year.”
Isaac Dukic, Jackson Barrett, Luke Pupillo and Luke Vraca also impressed for the Magpies.
For Wyndhamvale, Liam Scarborough was named best afield.
Parkside will now have a bye before returning to action against Sunshine.
Wyndhamvale will next face Albion away from home.
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