Tara Murray
North Footscray knows it isn’t far off from the top sides after its loss to Parkside in the Western Region Football League division 2 competition.
In a battle between two versus third, the Devils had the chance to close the gap on the top two.
While they didn’t come away with the win, the Devils had moments that let coach David Battistella said there was plenty of positives.
Parkside led by 31 points at half time, but were outscored by the Devils in the second half. The first half lead was enough to seal an 11.6 (72)-8.5 (53).
“We’re getting a true indication where we sit,” he said. “
“In the first half we had a lot of football, but they suffocated us and gave us no room to run and we made bad decisions.
“They had a better work rate around stoppages and there were a lot of stoppages. We fought back and had a chance early in the last quarter to get within three goals.
“I’m not fully disappointed as we worked hard all day.”
Mathew Serafin was the only multiple goal kicker with three goals.
Jack Cairns and Connor Roach were named the best. For Parkside, Jy Lambley continued his good form.
Battistella said they had reduced the margin from the first time they had played the Magpies which was a sign of their improvement.
He said the match showed the team where they were heading into the back end of the season.
This week they face ladder leaders Point Cook Centrals.
“We went into the weekend’s game winning five games in a row,” he said.
“We knew it was going to be tough and we know to make the top four now, we will have to cause a few upsets.
“We play the top team this week, it’ll give a good indication of where we’re at.”
Battistella said the pre-season aim for the side had been to make finals and nothing has changed
“Last year we were sitting third before COVID hit and going on the back of last year, we definitely wanted to play finals.
“This is the goal and I’m taught that anything that can happen once you get there.
“Division 2 is unbelievable how close the season is. We have a tough month coming up after Point Cook Centrals, against Albion, Wyndhamvale, Newport and Glen Orden.
In other matches, Glen Orden defeated West Footscray, 24.17 (161)-12.8 (80), while Point Cook Centrals smashed Newport, 15.18 (108)-4.4 (28) and Wyndhamvale beat Albion, 12.9 (81)-9,11 (65).
In division 1, Werribee Districts upset Altona, winning 12.13 (85)-8.12 (60), while Spotswood accounted for St Albans, 11.17 (83)-4.13 (37).
Yarraville Seddon had a tough day against Caroline Springs, losing 31.18 (204)-2.4 (16).
Hoppers Crossing and Deer Park were the other winners.
