By Tara Murray
After a slow first half, Tullamarine put it all together for a big win against Oak Park in the Essendon District Football League division 1.
The Demons were tested by a desperate Oak Park side but found another level in the second half, winning 15.16 (106)-4.6 (30).
Demons’ coach David Connell said he was happy with how the side built throughout the match.
“It was a grind in the first half,” he said.
“They played well and were dropping numbers back and flooding a bit.
“We weren’t great with ball in hand. It took a half to get through that and we got better as the game went along.
“We worked through it, which was the pleasing thing.”
Connell said there were a number of reasons for the slow start, including an increased training load.
“We’re training three times a week at the moment,” he said.
“We’d had six training sessions since our last game and I think it had a little bit to do with it.”
Brad Allen kicked four goals for the Demons, with Ryan Pretty and Daniel Devine kicking three goals each.
Connell said Jonathan Hardman, who was named best for a second straight week, was a standout.
Devine, who moved into the midfield, and Dean Simmons were also among the Demons best while Cameron Hare got through his first senior game of the season.
In another positive, Connell said they had made it through a game injury-free for the first time this season and were getting closer to having their full side back.
Nathan Sciberras and Joel Bonnici, who both missed with injury, will be back for the Demons next game, as will Blair Cronin who was overseas.
Tim Barresi isn’t far off returning from a broken collar bone, leaving only Anthony Prestia on the injury list.
The win leaves the Demons in second spot, only percentage behind East Keilor.
PHOTO GALLERY: Tullamarine vs Oak Park
The Demons, who have the bye this week, face the Cougars in a massive match the following weekend.
“It looks like it’s a battle to secure a top two spot,” Connell said.
“The loser will likely be equal with Craigieburn and will need results to go their way.
“It’s a little final.”
Connell said while having this week off is frustrating, the side was in a good position heading into the final rounds.
“This time last year we had a few injuries and guys getting injured for the first time. We were lightening the load.
“This year we’re starting to get them all back. It’s gone the other way and we’re training three nights a week.
“We’re in better shape than last year.”
Third-placed Craigieburn was the winner in the other division 1 match at the weekend.
The Eagles defeated West Coburg, 22.15 (147)-13.6 (84).
In premier division, Greenvale lost to Aberfeldie, 13.10 (88)-10.6 (66).
The Jets remain in fourth spot.
