Four appears to be Rupertswood’s magic number against Diggers Rest in the Riddell District Football League.
After beating the Burras by four points earlier in the season, it was a case of déjà vu for the Sharks on Saturday.
The Sharks took control of the game in the second quarter, but had a battle on their hands after the break.
The teams traded the lead several times from late in the third quarter until the final siren, the Sharks getting up 13.8 (86)-12.10 (82).
Sharks’ coach Nick Ash was thrilled to get the win.
“They are a really good side and they have got a lot of good players and experienced players,” he said.
“Both sides had a few out today … We’re pretty big on when one soldier goes out another one comes in and does a role.”
Ash said the most pleasing thing was the way the side responded when challenged in the second half.
The Sharks were able to increase the pressure with and without the ball when they needed to.
“They hit the front twice, once in the third quarter and once in the last quarter,” he said.
“The good thing for us, we didn’t put our heads down and think the game was too tough and throw in the towel.
“We continued to go and continued to work the ball forward. The effort is there, we’ll take the four points for sure.”
Todd and Dylan Podolczak kicked three goals apiece for the Sharks. Todd, who sits third in the league goalkicking, spent much of the game up the ground, showing the flexibility of the side.
Ash said while it was a team effort, Cam McRorie played his best game for the season, Lochie Muir and David Morrice were strong in the packs, while John Barnard, Leigh Wellington, Damon Cerini and Nash Egan all had good games.
Another good sign for the Sharks – the win came without several of their stars. Brent Swallow, Brett Chambers and Dean Putt were among those missing.
Ash said they not only had players able to step up into the senior side, but they had plenty of other leaders on the field.
“We’ve got a squad of nearly 30 blokes,” he said. “We’ve had 42 play senior football throughout the year.
“We believe we have a strong list and we can call on players from the reserves and under-18s.”
Ash said Swallow was likely to return this week, Chambers in the second last game of the season and Putt, the second or third last game.
He said they wouldn’t rush their returns and that all three would likely play through the reserves first.
“It’s the culture we’re trying to set, no one is more important than the team.”
In other results, Riddell defeated Macedon by two points, 6.14 (50)-7.6 (48) and Wallan overcame a slow start to beat the Sunbury Kangaroos 17.14 (116)-8.10 (58).
Lancefield made it two wins in a row, defeating Broadford 12.10 (82)-8.9 (57), while Romsey defeated Rockbank 23.20 (168)-4.2 (26).
