Tara Murray
Parkside was keen to come and show they wouldn’t be easy beats back in the top flight of the Western Football League and early on it is showing why.
After being in the game in round one, the Magpies got their first win of the season on Saturday, beating Spotswood.
There was nothing between the two teams in the first half and still at three quarter time it was anyone’s game, with the Magpies leading by 15 points.
The Magpies were able to increase their lead in the final quarter to get their first win back in the top flight, winning 11.9 (75)-7.10 (52).
Magpies co-coach Chris Muratore said it had been a massive day for the club being their first home game of the season and the unveiling of their premiership flag.
On field, Muratore said it was a good game of footy.
“We controlled it for a lot of the game,” he said. “We were on top in certain areas and were playing the way we wanted to play.
“It was a bit of ping pong with the ball moving around for a while. It was a good quality game.”
Muratore said he felt the difference in the end was his side’s ability to handle the bigger moments better.
He said their pressure around the ball was really good and they ran the game out well, which they didn’t do in round one.
Tom Condon kicked six goals for the Magpies and was named one of their best along with Samuel Dukic and Luke Vraca.
Muratore said Condon, who crossed from Strathmore in the off season, has been massive on and off the field this season.
“We knew what we would get from Tom,” he said.
“You see what he does in the goal column but it’s the other stuff, He’s teaching the younger guys and helping them with where to stand.
“He was able to get on the end of a couple. He had one in round one but could have had five or six, he had an off day.”
Muratoresaid Dukic did a really good job on Nick Graham in curbing his influence, while Jonah Vraca found some form after an interrupted pre-season.
He said skipper Jackson Barrett again did a mountain of work.
“It was a tough game to pick votes, it was a team performance,” Muratore said.
For the Woodsmen, Kyle Blake kicked three goals and was named their best.
The Magpies this week face Caroline Springs on Saturday.
The Lakers also sit 1-1 after beating Hoppers Crossing on Saturday.
Muratore said it had been a positive start for the side and they wanted to continue that this week.
“We were really confident that we could do it,” he said.
“A lot of people said well done on making it [division] and great effort. We don’t want to be known for just that, we want to be known for winning games of footy.
“A win second game up, shows we’re good enough in this competition.”
In other results, Altona kicked off its season with a 10.8 (68)-7.7 (49) win against Point Cook.
In division 2, Newport beat Braybrook, Laverton fell short against Albanvale, West Footscray won a thriller against the Suns and North Footscray lost to Wyndhamvale.
