WEST PRESTON LAKESIDE U/19 vs ELTHAM
ROUND 18 @ J.E.MOORE PARK
The young roosters were looking to claim the big top 5 scalp that they had been striving for since their resurgence mid-season. Brimming with young talent from throughout the junior ranks, the side was keen to show it could match the power sides of the competition and head into next season brimming with confidence.
Coming up against an Eltham squad hurting from a loss to the bottom side the week before, the pace was frantic as the panthers looked to hurt the roosters on the spread from the contest. Missing important ball winner Garrett McDonough and James Rizzolio unavailable due to higher duties, the experienced defensive line-up held firm, with Mark Padula repelling a number of forward thrusts after 2 weeks on the sidelines. Kicking against a slight breeze the going was tough early, with some unlucky decisions going against the side. Going into the first change, staring at a 14-point deficit, coach Mcgregor was keen to address the dangerous spread of the panthers.
After a slight re-structuring, the mosquito fleet midfield of Daniel Valeri, Anthony Condello and Matthew Vincitorio fresh from his first senior game, started to match the run of their opponents. Vincitorio hit Ben Egan inside 50 who converted truly to get the roosters first goal of the match, then embarked on one of the greatest individual runs seen at J.E Moore park for years, taking no less than 5 bounces through the muddy wing with a number of opponents in pursuit and found Michael Perfetto at the top of square for the second goal of the quarter. Buoyed by this brilliant piece of play the side head into the top sheds confident of overhauling the deficit in front of them.
Playing a possession based brand of footy in the third term against the breeze, the roosters starved the highly rated Eltham side of the ball, with George Gavalas and Anthony close using their dominant size advantage to repel any forward thrust whilst winning a swag of possessions themselves. The inexperienced heads belied their age and took it up to their more fancied opponents, with cool heads prevailing under immense pressure. Matching the panthers 2 goals with majors of their own, the roosters played perfectly to the desired game plan, and went into the last change full of confidence.
The last quarter was purely and simply an arm wrestle. Knowing that this would be their last quarter for the year, players from both sides threw themselves desperately at the contest in the first 5 minutes. Enter Taylor Tangas, who showed that he is the equal of any player in the competition with 3 amazing last quarter goals, the last an amazing left foot snap from 40 metres out. Hitting the front midway through the last quarter, late goals to young Adam Valeri and an after the siren Effort to odds-on best and fairest favourite Michael Perfetto and the side many had completely written off early in the season had beaten one of the flag favourites in a thriller.
Best Players were Taylor Tangas , Michael Perfetto, Anthony Close (in easily his best game for the club), Daniel Valeri and Mark Padula
The young roosters can be immensely proud of their efforts in 2012. Bouncing back from a poor start to the season to be one of the most competitive and dangerous sides in the competition. Many congratulations must go out to the coaching and support staff and the club can be confident and excited to the future ahead with this immensely talented group of young men.
Last Modified on 27/08/2012 18:54