Page 569 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

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Phil O'Keefe was appointed the head coach of the Parkside Football Club for the 1999 season. There
were high expectations that experienced AFL and VFL stalwart O'Keefe will instil the Parkside club
with the tenacity it needed to return to the top of the tree.

Port Colts again looked the side to beat in the 1999 season. The Advocate previewed the upcoming
season by giving a brief account of the WRFL A1 club's chances to succeed.

“Hoppers Crossing

COACH: Larry Simmons. 1998 finish: third. One game out of the grand final last year, the Warriors
could go one better in 1999. New players have joined and Simmons, an FDFL premiership-winning
coach, is said to have settled in well. Plenty of depth with strong junior program and well-placed to
challenge Port Colts and Parkside.

Port Colts

COACH: Matthew Larkin. 1998 finish: first (premiers). Another strong recruitment drive has Port
Colts as favourites to repeat their premiership season of 1999. Larkin's AFL experience will certainly
boost their chances as he replaces Des Tuddenham at the helm. Paul Tuddenham is back after
considering retirement.

St Albans

COACH: Alan Ezard. 1998 finish: sixth. Desperate to end a 10-year premiership drought. Injuries
proved costly last season and Ezard is keen to improve the fitness of the side — the Saints have been
on the track since October. The talent is there and with some luck with injuries, could make a run at
the flag. Definite finals threat.

Parkside

Certain finalist, and close to Port Colts and Spotswood in premiership calculations”

The Advocate, April 1999

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Parkside started a new season with a win, beating Sunshine YCW in the first round.

In round two, Parkside dismantled Deer Park crushing them by 89 points.

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider