Reserves Preview - vs Eltham
The 19s fell at the final hurdle before September, their sluggish early season form costing them a spot at the pointy end of the year. The seniors hit a Northcote park outfit brimming with confidence, and could
n’t make it past the first week at their much beloved Preston city oval. There is only one side flying the flag at J.E Moore Park. The most in-form unit in the entire northern football league, the West Preston lakeside reserves.
The second half of 2012 has seen the boys make 12pm on a Saturday their own. After a shaky start to the year, with a huge turnover of players and some injuries to key players, the reserves have managed to go undefeated following the mid-season break. After an excruciating draw against arch-rivals Bundoora, the side has taken on all comers, comprehensively beating top side Montmorency, 2nd place Greensborough and this week’s opponent Eltham in the final round of the season.
The rooster’s x-factor will undoubtedly be their plethora of young talent, with under 19s players James Rizzolio and Mitch Tobin forming one of the most exciting and bone-crunching 1-2 midfield punches in the competition. Their fearless attack at the footy will be a key cog in the rooster machines effort to progress through to the next stage. These young guns are just 2 of a number of exciting and brilliant players to rotate through the Roosters midfield. Andreis Jurgins, Kane Heaney, Niall Mcdonagh and arguably the competition’s best player Ben Peters have all played senior footy this year and will be critical in deciding their sides fate this weekend. Throw in the possible inclusion of an in-form Chris Belbasis and the side has a wealth of gun senior players to choose from.
With excellent delivery coming from their midfield, the Eltham backline has its work cut out stopping the Roosters forward line. After a brief stint at Thomastown, Naci Eshel has provided a strong target up forward and loves this time of the year. Michael Batey was best on ground last week and along with Jon Hiho and Tommy O’Neill builds a rock solid backline. On paper it seems that the roosters have all bases covered, and may have the most senior experience of any side in the competition, with no less than 10 players boasting senior experience in 2012.
Their form against opponent Eltham has been strong this season with a strong 20 point win in the final round of the season, and a 5 point loss at panther place in round 9. Unfortunately skipper Michael McMahon’s cruel season of luck continued, the victim of a questionable suspension last start before the finals, while Steve Lawless will also miss due to suspension.
Despite the absence of these key players, the Roosters should head into Sundays game full of confidence and belief. After falling just short of the grand prize the last 2 years, the side has the talent and dedication to go all the way. Good luck to coach Matthew Sleeman and the boys and make sure you get down to Preston on Sunday to support their quest for glory
Go Roosters!!!