Page 628 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

Harold Kelly, Michael Tunzi and Ali Taleb set-up opportunities for the strong Magpie forward-line of
Ahmed Taleb, Michael Tartaglia and Ashley Hervatin, heading into the first break with a three-goal
lead.

The Magpies also stood tall in defence early, with Dennis Ryan giving Saints key forward Brendan
Duncan few possessions.

But just when it seemed the Magpies had the game stitched up, the Saints showed a dynamic return
to form after half time.

"I am disappointed, yet there are probably more positives that came out of it," disappointed
Parkside coach John Barbutto said after the match. "That's probably our first practice match when
you think about it, we haven't had any competitive practice matches against any other sides in or
outside the comp.

"I always thought at half-time that we didn't have enough (goals) on the board," he said. "I thought
their big blokes were always going to start running over the top of our big blokes and I thought we
were probably one too short in the end."

The Saints' march was activated by gallant big man Jason Fitzpatrick, Daniel McFerran, Andrew
Fennessy, Ezard and Sebastian Arena.

Ezard said he knew Parkside would have a point to prove early in the game.

"It was always going to be a danger game - you read into how many players they've lost from last
year's grand final side," Ezard said.

"We actually spoke to them (our players) before the game that being over confident, was our biggest
concern.”

St Albans 14.19-103 d. Parkside 12.8-80

***

Steven Milne wrote that after the second round, “Parkside coach John Barbuto is the happiest man
in town, his Magpies flying high after demolishing out-of-sons Dees Park by 74 points at the Merv
Hughes Oval.

"It’s great for the club," he said Broadford recruit Bill Lang fired on debut. He comes from an
interesting football family — his cousin is St Kilda 'bad boy' Barry Hall.

Parkside also unveiled a third Taleb brother — ex-Northcote Park centre half-back Hassan. "You
want to see this bloke play." Barbuto enthused.

Parkside 13.22-100 d. Deer Park 4.2-26

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider