By Matthew Sims
North Footscray emerged from its semi-final clash against Wyndhamvale one step closer to claiming the flag in the Western Region Football League division 2 competition.
Having started to find some form in the previous round, the Devils started slowing in their knock out semi final against the Falcons, trailing by 17 points at quarter time.
They were able to work themselves into the game, before coming away with a 13.18 (96)-10.8 (68) win.
Devils coach David Battistella said overall, the match was “a bit of a see-saw game“, with the conditions playing a role in how the match played out.
“They got the jump on us early,“ he said. “They had a slight breeze.“
Battistella said a few goals late in the second quarter put the Devils ahead by 14 points.
“We got a little bit of control,“ he said.
Battistella said the Devils used the momentum and a couple of missed chances from the Falcons to take their advantage to finish 78-52 heading into the last quarter.
“We were very happy with the way we played,“ he said.
“I thought our forward pressure was as good as it’s been.“
At the blow of the final whistle, the Devils were in front and through to the preliminary final.
Battistella said the game’s key players were Jordan Eitler, who kicked three goals and David Allitt with a goal, as well as Cameron Fowler with two goals and Adam Petridis with three goals.
Other goal kickers for the Devils were Connor Roach, Samuel Kater, Mathew Serafin and Charles Bettiol.
Battistella said Devils skipper Matthew Smith led the team well in the back line.
The Devils have now started gearing up for the preliminary final against Parkside on Saturday to determine who would face up against Point Cook Centrals in the grand final. Centrals beat Parkside in the other semi final on Saturday.
Battistella said the team would gradually ramp up training during this week ahead of the match and focus on taking small steps.
“There’s no use thinking too far ahead,“ he said.
However, with a 0-3 record playing against Parkside this season, Battistella said they may have to look at changing up the team’s personnel and positioning to realise a win against Parkside.
“We definitely need to turn that around,“ he said. “We’re going to have to mix it up a bit.“
“We probably need to start creating our own chances. We need to be able to counter-attack.
“We’re still going into the game very confident.“
