Page 613 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

O’Keeffe has hit hack at talk the injury-plagued Borough are ripe for the picking.

“They’ve been there, done that — they’re the benchmark,”— he said.

The former Footscray player said Parkside would “be without a few players here and there.”

O’Keeffe and his charges, including stars Sami Sir and Michael Cammerino, were interested
onlookers as Port Colts limped over the line against the St Albans Saints in a qualifying final on
Saturday.

But the win came at a cost with reigning Andrew Gibson Medallist, forward-pocket Jason Clarke
injuring his ankle.

The Borough were clearly unsettled by the shock last-minute withdrawal of high-flying utility Gareth
Daley.

And star centreman Stephen Pearce warmed the bench until quarter-time ,indicating he is far from
fully fit.

The Magpies can’t wait for the first bounce.

“Everyone’s pretty hungry at the moment,” O’Keeffe said.

“We’ll give it a red-hot go. Everyone’s ready to play.”

He said the recruiting of centre half-back Sedat Sir and half-forward/ruck-rover Stephen Zavalas
from Williamstown had done wonders for his side.

The exceptional form of O’Keeffe (45 goals) since a serious facial injury threatened his career early in
the season has also proved a tremendous inspiration.

Port Colts’ coach Matthew Larkin praised his side’s “desperation” against St Albans.

“Be proud of your efforts today,” he told his players.

“We’re on our way now”,

First-year wingman John Lindsay (three goals) blitzed with his speed and skill.

Centre half-forward Jason Smith (3.4) was another bright light for the Borough.

Stereo 974 FM will broadcast a live call of the Parkside/Port Colts second semi-final from 2 pm.”

The Mail, August 23, 2000

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider