WEST PRESTON LAKESIDE vs ELTHAM
Round 18 @ J.E.Moore Park
It was Lakies day at J E Moore park with a huge turnout of the West Preston faithful as well as Lakies past players and supporters. It was a great atmosphere all around the club with the anticipation for the Senior side wearing the old white with red V guernsey. Two wins in the earlier games had set up a great platform for the Roosters to make it a memorable day for all those in attendance and seal a finals berth.
The Roosters won the toss and kicked to the clubrooms end with a slight breeze. The start was electric from the Roosters as they stormed out of the blocks in the opening term. Fierce tackling and pressure was the catalyst to kick start the game. Adrian Natoli started the attack with inside 50 pressure and just reward with a couple of goals on the scoreboard. When Glenn Robertson kicked the 4th of the term the Rooster's boys flocked to Robbo, in what had been a tough week for the Roosters spearhead. A 5 goal to 1 term changed very quickly late in the quarter when an Eltham goal followed by a free kick inside 50 meant another one. That cut the margin to just 15 points at the first change. A dominant first quarter was somewhat erased with those late goals.
The second quarter was always going to be defend first for the Roosters. A stiff breeze and an attacking Eltham managed a wasteful 2 goals 5 behinds. The Roosters boys added a couple more majors to keep the lead at 12 points at the main break. Chris Belbasis continued his great form with tough work in the clinches that had the old Lakies players marvel at his tough old Lakies style of attack on the man and the ball. His job on Eltham's playmakers was crucial to shut down any midfield ascendancy with the wind. Pece Micevski was providing his usual clearances and fed the ball to all the forwards including brother Billy numerous times.
A big 3rd quarter was brewing with an efficient first half by the Roosters. Simon Close led the charge with some pivotal marking play and a couple of goals. His ability to work up the ground and allow Morrison the goal square to compete with his opponent one on one proved a winning formula as the Roosters piled on 6 goals to go out to a match winning lead. Natoli continued his great work in the front half and was a tough match up for the Panthers. His influence around the ball and inside 50 was too hard to quell. Matt Vasilevski was fantastic running from the half back line to drive the ball long and direct, certainly enjoyed by McKenzie and Morrison with marks deep inside 50 resulting in goals.
The final quarter was a bit of a non event. The miserly Roosters defence kept Eltham goalless to eliminate any chance of a miracle comeback. Nannery was superb neutralising the Eltham captain as well as Bisetto holding down the other key post. Fahour and Bardon as always held up well on the smalls and kept the panthers to only 7 goals for the match. Natoli and Belbasis continued finding the ball to cap off a successful day. A win secured a spot in this years finals series. A clash with Northcote Park awaits this week. With a win each at opposing teams home ground this season already, a neutral ground and finals football will prove a big test for the Roosters.
A big thank you to all the Lakies supporters and past players for making it a great day. The club rooms after the game was a testament to all the hard work put in over the last few weeks by Rabbi, Prez and others to make it such a terrific initiative. It was great for all the players to put a face to the names of some of the Lakies Superstars and hopefully not the last time we see the Roosters in the Red and White.
Last Modified on 29/08/2012 18:27