By Lance Jenkinson
Williamstown CYMS has cleared all the obstacles put in its way to start a perfect 4-0 in the Victorian Amateur Football Association Premier C.
The CYs are yet to field a full team due to injuries and player unavailability, but their depth has shone through.
“We’ve had our early challenges,” CYs coach Mathew Montebello said. “With some of the talent that we’ve had out, our second tier of players have really stepped up and grown.
“That’s what makes me happiest, that we’ve seen growth from our second tier group of players.”
Williamstown CYMS showed its ability to rise through adversity in a 99-point win over PEGS in the top-versus-bottom clash at Fearon Reserve on Saturday.
The CYs were a man down early in the contest when Lachlan Fairley suffered concussion, but it did not act as a distraction as they powered to a commanding win.
“He copped a head knock, so he went off with concussion halfway through the first quarter,” Montebello said. “He’s been a massive pick-up for us as a former Willy kid.
“For him to go off and [Ben] Deller was a bit quieter after some great weeks, to see the other guys pick up that slack was really promising.”
Williamstown CYMS trailed by five points at quarter-time, but was dominant for the final three quarters.
The CYs piled on an incredible 17 goals to one after quarter-time.
Joel Hogarth had a field day for CYs across half-back.
Hogarth was like a blur most of the day as he transferred the ball from defence to attack in the blink of an eye.
He capped a best-on-ground display with two goals.
“Joel’s a former 800 metre junior champion and ran at the world junior championships when he was a teenager,” Montebello said. “He’s a running machine.”
Mitch Parkinson was superb for Williamstown CYMS with three goals.
PHOTO GALLERY: Williamstown CYMS vs PEGS
Parkinson is looking rejuvenated after a year out of the game to focus on study.
“He’s come back really hungry as a mid-forward who can kick a lot of goals,” Montebello said. “He was the league’s leading goalkicker in the under 19s.
“This year his brother [Blake] has come up from the under 19s as well, so him playing with him really excites him and he’s really motivated and doing a really good job.”
Williamstown CYMS had 10 goalkickers, including six players with multiples.
Dean Cutajar kicked three for the second time in two games.
“We always prefer to have a spread of players who have kicked two goals each as opposed to one who has kicked six, so it was good to see that happen,” Montebello said.
The CYs know their lofty position will put them under the microscope.
“It doesn’t matter where a team is on the ladder or how many they’ve won, they’re always going to come at us and Ajax will be no different next weekend,” Montebello said.
Williamstown CYMS’ clash with the 1-3 Ajax will be at Gary Smorgon Oval on Saturday.
The CYs are expecting a tough encounter against a side that was relegated from Premier B last season.
MORE VAFA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/pegs-prepares-to-fire/
