Tara Murray
Newport got out of jail against North Footscray in the Western Region Football League division 2 on Saturday.
The Panthers needed everything they had to get past a determined Devils side, winning 12.12 (84)-13.5 (83).
Panthers coach Josh Russo isn’t quite sure how they came away with the four points.
“It was a really lucky one,” he said. “To be fair, credit has to go to North Footscray, they were the better side on the day.
“We got out of jail and kept our season alive.”
The Devils led at every break, but weren’t able to break the game open to put the Panthers on the back foot.
Russo said the group continued to work hard and in the end it was what got them across the line.
“We never gave up,” he said. “We were down by a couple of goals and sometimes you can only play as well as the opposition lets you.
“We were able to get a couple of goals to get a couple of points ahead and we were able to hold on.
“You have to win when you’re not playing well. We’re grateful to still get the four points.”
Jack Papachatzakis kicked four goals for the Panthers, while Kamal Badra kicked three goals.
Russo said no one dominated all day, but they had a lot of players who tried hard all day.
He highlighted the back line played well led by Salahudin Saaoud and Nayef Hamad, while Papachatzaki, Badra and Khaled Jawad also had good games.
The win was massive in the context of the Panthers season. The Panthers sit in fifth spot, equal on points and win percentage with four placed Wyndhamvale.
Sunshine remains a game clear after upsetting top side Parkside.
The Panthers this week face Wyndhamvale in a match that could decide the two side’s finals chances.
Russo said it would be a good challenge they were looking forward to.
“With Sunshine beating Parkside, it seems like it will come down to this game,” he said. “If you don’t win games like this, maybe you’re not good enough to play finals.
“We’ll challenge the group and hopefully have a good week on the track and hopefully go down to Wyndhamvale and get the win.”
Meanwhile, Parkside remains on top despite its loss to Sunshine. The Kangaroos led all day in the 16.8 (104)-11.10 (76) win, handing the Magpies their first loss of the season.
In the other match, Wyndhamvale beat Braybrook, 26.11 (167)-5.2 (32).
In division 1, Altona proved no match for Werribee Districts in the top of the table clash. The Tigers built the lead throughout, winning 12.10 (82)-4.6 (30).
Caroline Springs beat Spotswood, 10.15 (75)-7.8 (50), to increase the gap between the two sides in fourth and fifth.
The Yarraville Seddon Eagles finals hopes remain alive after a 22.17 (149)-9.5 (59) win against Point Cook Centrals.
