By: Joseph Arthur
PARK ORCHARDS’ win over Mooroolbark last weekend saw it jump to fifth on the Division 1 ladder, 4 per cent ahead of Upper Ferntree Gully.
After some inconsistency throughout the year, Park Orchards was tasked with what was essentially a must-win game to keep its finals aspirations alive.
After the previous week’s narrow loss to East Ringwood, playing-coach Dennis Armfield was rapt with his side’s ability to respond.
“Mooroolbark are a super side, I think they had a bit of a slower start to the season but I think they’ve been one of the most in-form teams in the latter half of the year and we knew we were in for a tight competitive game (last Saturday),” Armfield said.
“We just knew if we could be competitive in the stoppages that would get us a long way to where we wanted to go for the game.
“It was all about stopping their momentum when they had it and trying to capitalise when we had it.
“We were fortunate enough to get away with the four points which was much needed for the club.”
The win puts Park Orchards in control of its own destiny, narrowly holding onto the last finals position with only two games remaining.
Armfield said he is hopeful that his side’s composure and execution against Mooroolbark will remain consistent through the final two games.
Consistency has been Park Orchards’ biggest issue this season, along with failing to win close games, allowing the opposition to capitalise at the death on multiple occasions.
Armfield said the young men are picking up the new game-plan and finding consistency in their play more and more as the season progresses.
“It’s been a frustrating one, you think if we win those close games we could be sitting pretty in finals,” Armfield said.
“I think the inconsistency just comes from implementing a new game plan, trying to challenge the boys to take the game on and sometimes it’s going to pay off and sometimes it’s not going to.
“Ultimately I think it comes down to leadership, communication and experience and I think we showed that on the weekend against Mooroolbark when they came at us in the last, we sort of learned from the East Ringwood game the week before.”
Armfield had high praise for utility, Michael Prosenak, who kicked four goals against the Mustangs and was among the best for Park Orchards.
After an injury-riddled season last year and a slow start to this one, Armfield said he has been relieved to see Prosenak find his form in recent weeks.
“’Pross’ (Michael Prosenak) is an absolute ripper, I think he had a bit of a slow start to the season, having a long lay-off last year through injury and then coming in this year,” Armfield said.
“He’s starting to find his feet again and he’s a vital asset to our side, he can play pretty much all three lines which is always a good weapon to have in your side.
“I think he’s just keeping it simple and that’s what I’ve asked of the boys – to play their role.”
Park Orchards has a huge match-up this weekend against Wantirna South away from home.
Despite sitting second-last on the ladder, the Devils are no easy beats and only sit two games behind Park Orchards in what is the tightest competition in the EFL.