Page 617 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized
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Parkside Football Club 1897/2017
Cammerino is one of the competition most dazzling players when in full flight.
Playing coach Phil O’Keeffe called on his players to respect the Saints, who stunned an undisciplined
Port Colts in a spiteful preliminary final at Yarraville last Sunday.
"They're well organised on and off the field.” O'Keeffe said.
“They play a disciplined code of football. They’re in a two-horse race, simple as that.”
In-form Parkside mid-fielders Stephen Zavalas, Sami Cukovic and Sami Sir will be desperately keen to
continue the scintillating form they displayed in the second semi-final a fortnight ago. They all need
to be right on their game too, with St Albans possessing quality midfield featuring playing coach Alan
Ezard, captain Jason Fitzpatrick, and young guns Seb Arena and Daniel McFerrin’
Former Footscray and Williamstown centre half-back Sedat Sir’s ability to shut down sticky fingers
Brendon Duncun will also have a huge bearing. O’Keeffe prised “football brain” of his assistant coach
Michael Shepperbottom.
The Magpies suffered a slight blow with recently appointed Carlton coach Wayne Brittain having had
to cancel an arranged motivational talk because of his involvement in the AFL’s trade talk period.
A bumper crowd of 10,000 is expected at the grand final, which will be broadcast live on Stereo 974
FM.”
The Mail, 6 September 2000, p.104
***
“Playing coach Phil O’Keeffe sensed deep in his heart that Parkside had the 2000 flag in the bag —
from the moment injured star rover Ross Napoli tossed the coin before Saturday’s soggy grand final
against St Albans at the Yarraville Oval.
The Magpies were going to do it for their courageous ‘brother’ and great mate. Nothing was going to
stop them.
The Saints simply didn’t have a chance.
“I couldn’t hold back the emotions (at the toss) O’Keeffe admitted.
“I knew we couldn’t be beaten.”
Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider
