Above: Michael Zammitt takes a safe chest mark for Springvale Districts on the weekend.By Marc McGowan
SPRINGVALE Districts has rolled to its fifth-straight victory in Division Two Southern Football League play, this time a 114-point thrashing of Canterbury at Springvale Reserve.
The Demons flexed their muscles early, kicking seven goals to one in the first quarter, and never looked like losing.
Three and four-goal quarters followed for Springvale Districts, before an eight-goal-to-one final stanza blew the difference past 100 points.
“We set some goals before the match and we achieved them all,” Springvale Districts coach Stephen Hughes said.
“We wanted to limit the goals against us and, as we’ve spoken about for a few weeks, we wanted to be a bit more direct.”
Adam Quinn has played a big part in straightening the Demons up and his 13 goals moved him into a tie for fifth place on the league goalkicking table, despite playing just five games.
He has taken over the role of club spearhead, due to star full-forward Darin Joyce’s knee troubles.
Joyce attempted to return through the reserves but the damage was too severe and he will go under the knife for a reconstruction next week.
Hughes was also pleased with his defence, which he regards as the best back six in the competition.
“The last month has been about improving and I think we’ve done that,” he said. “We don’t want to just make up the numbers (in the finals).”
It all leads to the club’s do-or-die battle with Oakleigh District this weekend, with fourth place on the line.
Springvale Districts is a game ahead of its rivals and retains a 5.3 per cent buffer.
The team could lose and still make the finals, but that will not be entering the players’ minds.
“We are absolutely desperate to get in,” Hughes said. “I’m sure (Oakleigh District) will be pretty physical early on but we’ve stood up to anyone who’s been physical over the last two months.”
