John Hayes and Fitzroy Stars kept Mernda winless on Saturday. Picture: Angie Basdekis.
A LATE rally helped West Preston-Lakeside return to the Northern Football League winners’ list with a confidence-boosting victory against Heidelberg on Saturday.
The Roosters came from behind at three-quarter-time to upset last year’s Division 1 runner-up, claiming a hard-fought 9.13 (67) to 8.9 (57) win.
West Preston coach Leigh Cole said his side would draw belief from its fighting effort.
“We got a small break on them early and they hit back, then from there we were pretty much chasing them for the rest of the day,” Cole said.
“They kept breaking out to a couple-of-goal leads and we were able to keep pulling them back without letting it grow any bigger.
“In the weeks prior when sides have started to break away from us we’ve lost confidence quickly.
“The perseverance (on Saturday) was good.”
Jacob Ramaekers, Luke Lirosi and David Rodan played important roles in the victory, which left the Roosters seventh on the ladder with a 2-2 record.
Cole said the importance of the win could not be underestimated as his team prepares for a defining month.
“It was something we definitely spoke about before the game, being 1-3 or 2-2 at the end of it,” he said.
“To come out 2-2 and still in the mix rather than 1-3 and chasing the pack is definitely something we worked hard on for the day.”
The Roosters face Montmorency, Eltham, North Heidelberg and Lower Plenty over the next four rounds.
“I don’t think you can take anyone lightly or for granted in this competition,” Cole said.
“I don’t think anyone would have thought we’d beat Heidelberg.
“I think over the next four weeks we play ... four sides that are around a similar position to us that will be chasing spots in finals.”
Mernda’s Luke Marum gets a handball away in his side’s loss to Fitzroy Stars. Picture: Angie Basdekis.
In other results, Macleod beat Bundoora by 55 points, Greensborough walloped North Heidelberg, Northcote Park trumped Montmorency and Lower Plenty won a shootout against Eltham.
In Division 2, Mernda’s winless start to 2015 continued against Fitzroy Stars, Diamond Creek knocked off Panton Hill and Hurstbridge powered passed Lalor.
Last year’s Division 3 premier Thomastown provided the biggest talking point of the round, holding off Whittlesea by four points to continue its unbeaten run.
In Division 3, Watsonia made it three wins from as many matches against competition newcomer Banyule, St Mary’s overcame Reservoir by seven points and Epping recorded a come-from-behind win over Heidelberg West.
South Morang returns to action after a bye against the Burras this weekend.
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