Page 607 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

Despite a great win in the match against Braybrook, the Magpies copped a big blow, with boom
forward Phil O'Keeffe, suffering a significant injury.

Parkside playing coach and in-form full-forward Phil O'Keeffe was sidelined for eight weeks after
fracturing his cheek-bone against Braybrook at the Merv Hughes Oval.

It took the gloss off the high-flying Magpies' resounding 98-point win.

O'Keeffe suffered the serious injury after colliding with a teammate early in the game.

“I I flew for a mark and bang, I clashed heads with (Jed) Pinkney or (Stephen) Zavalas," he said.

"I was a bit shattered.—

O'Keeffe was driven to hospital by his uncle after addressing his players at quarter-time. Assistant
coach Michael Shepperbottom took over the coaching duties.

Dynamic on-bailer and leading Priest Medal fancy Dennis Ryan blitzed the Brookers.

Shepperbottom kicked four goals against the team he was a second division premiership player with
last season.

***

Being able to hold consistency throughout the year, the Parks displayed an impressive run of form.

Parkside were, deservedly, odds-on favourite to lift the WRFL premiership trophy in September that
year. The Cats were the next victims of the Magpies’ premiership attack.

Sam Cukovic

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider