Page 93 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

Parkside continued with a superb form into the following week.

This article from Sunshine Advocate shines light on the Grand Final game in 1948.

BRAYBROOK DEFEATED BY PARKSIDE

“The semi-final displays of Parksides did not warrant very strong belief that they could play
premiership football to win this season’s pennant. The day was perfect and the game attracted a
large crowd to Footscray oval. Parksides were first to break through and scored two quick goals and
one point before Brooks found their feet to register two points. Very little separated the teams, both
playing hard to gain a break. Parks were keeping a few points in front and a close check as kept on
Brooks key men, enabling them to lead by 7 points at the first change.

The second quarter opened somewhat similar to the first, Parks again first, to add the points. Soon
after Brooks opening up their game, with Trueman in real spirited style carrying the ball from the
wide wing defeating several opponents to add a single-but not before being man handled from
several defenders, His effort deserved better results. Now inspired the locals came again to meet
solid opposition and only a slight lead to the half-time interval.
Straight talking from Ellis had its effect and the defence playing close and equally as hard kept Parks
to a limited score in the third term. If Parksides were to win, this was their chance as the slight breeze
had freshened. Brooks’ defenders took and gave hard knocks to keep their relentless opponents down
to a 5 point lead at the end of the third quarter.

At this stage it seemed a foregone conclusion for a Braybrook victory; 5 points down and the use of
the slight breeze but alas the players were being beaten for pace with the possible exception of
Trueman, who again playing single-handed, ran his way through the defence to receive little support.
Martin, having the edge on Calvin, and K. Scott, were playing on but Parkside gained the break to
score two quick goals.

Had Braybrook scored with the opportunities they had, a different result may have resulted. Halfway
through the last term it was apparent Brooks were lacking in condition; rarely did they get the ball
over the centre. For many seasons Braybrook have been known for their will to win and here with the
Parks they found a team their equal and in better condition. Youth was taking its toll.

Nearing the close of a hard fast game Parks went ahead as is the case with any team with their tails
up and getting the run of the ball; little can be done to counter such confidence. Brooks hitting hard
with shoulders and hips found the counter methods of Parks much against the true interests of the
game, as several foul incidents marred the full credit of our opponents victory. Harris and Martin
were subjected to rabbit-killers on several occasions, and the kicking of Ellis in the face was unjust
and the Parks victory would have been hailed with better feelings.

Parksides performance to win 15 games on end, including a semi-final, final and grand final is a
remarkable achievement. This is their first premiership since 1936 and Braybrook offer
congratulations to them.

Final scores:

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider