Geelong Advertiser | NORTH Shore players, trainers and supporters lifted their arms up to the heavens on Saturday afternoon when the Windsor Park siren sounded to end the side’s 23-game losing streak.
However, this win was no miracle, rather a 111-point demolition of rivals Lara, an impressive accomplishment for the Seagulls who had not won at home since Round 8, 2012.
Playing coach Jason Davenport suffered concussion from a knock in the opening term; he bounced back and kicked five goals in another impressive performance.
“We stay well clear of the ‘w’ word (win) and we spoke just about the process; to make sure that we had intent rather than being content and that’s regardless of the moment of the game,” Davenport said.
“At three-quarter time they (Lara) may have only had two goals yet we didn’t want them to double that tally so we urged our midfielders not to get sucked into the ball and chase kids.
“We wanted to stay sound with our structures and our forwards probably needed a bit more polish to reward the efforts of the mids with the contested ball.
“In the end, it’s such a great result for the club on such a great day; to see so many quality faces that have dug into this club for a number of years so it’s nice to reward them off the field as well.”
Former Geelong and Western Bulldogs utility Nathan Djerrkura ignited the home crowd by kicking two goals in the game’s opening minute.
“It doesn’t matter what level you play at, a win is a win and you can’t beat today’s feeling,” Djerrkura said.
“We just wanted to go out there and play and those first few minutes proved just that.”
The 26-year-old continued to display intensity throughout the day; resembling strength he displayed alongside Davenport in the 2007 VFL grand final for Geelong.
“In literally 5-10 minutes he (Djerrkura) can turn the game around and his ability to precede pressure around the ground and stick tackles sets such a high standard for the boys to follow,” Davenport said.
“He’s settled in and within a couple of weeks he has taken the reins at certain times; that’s a reflection of his performance on the field as the group has the up most respect for him.”
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