Page 396 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

In the final term Parkside launched a big effort mainly through Paul McSweeney, Anthony Alessio
and Lou Sambevski but just failed. Deer Park 14.6-90 d. Parkside 13.11-89.

Up-and coming Parkside inflicted a heavy defeat on Albion. Winning in most key positions Parks
were too physically strong and too good in the air for struggling Albion.

Albion’s indiscipline led to John Taylor and Gary Buckley being sent off. Parkside half-back Lou
Sambevski (BOG), Grant Kemp, and Con Papas were unpassable. Others to do well were Mark
Lawrence and Damien Zanic. Parkside 18.17-125 d. Albion 11.16-82

Parkside, looking a good all-round combination, defeated previous season’s premiers, St Albans, by
25 points, in round five. Park’s forwards, too mobile and good in the air for the Demons backline,
had excellent players in Tony Alessio (six goals), captain/coach Mark Komp (four goals) and Tony
McQualter (three goals).

Mark Lawrence controlled the packs and was well supported by Harold Kelly who constantly sent the
ball forward. Parkside 16.8-104 d. St Albans 12.7-79.

***

Parkside inflicted North Footscray’s biggest defeat in the 1989 season, winning by 100 points.
Parkside, quickly shaping as the side to beat, was far too physically strong, skilful and good in the air.
Ruckman Mark Lawrence gave a BOG performance and was well supported by Paul McSweeney,
Damien Zanic and Tony Alessio (five goals). Parkside 19.16-130 d. North Footscray 4.6-30.

***

Parkside held on to beat North Melbourne and Kensington by 26 points. Parks certainly missed Tony
Alessio who was injured in the interleague game. Best for Parkers were Paul McSweeney and Darren
Brown who showed his class when on the ball. Parkside 17.13-115 d. North Melbourne-Kensington
10.6-66.

***

A magnificent second quarter effort spearheaded the Footscray District Football representative side
to a 28-point win over the Essendon District League under lights at Skinner Reserve. The FDL, buoyed
by a dashing half-black line and captain Tony Alessio, who proved a focal point at centre-half-
forward, forged away from the EDL in the second term kicking 5.1 to 2.0 to charge to a 27-point lead
at half time. The FDL was never seriously challenged thereafter.

***

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider