Hawks fly in Applecross

by LES EVERETT

AT quarter time playing coach Michael Fisher got the feeling.

The Hawks led by seven points.

The winning feeling: Applecross footy coach Michael Fisher and his players at training this week after their first win for over two seasons. Photo by Les Everett

"I turn 40 this year, I've had a bit of experience, I could see where the game was going," he told the Rooster.

By half time the players started to realise what was possible.

Hawks by nine points.

And by three quarter time the coach believed the idea had really sunk in.

Applecross was about to have its first win in 37 games.

When the final siren rang the coach admits to having a tear in his eye. The players ran to the middle ground, jumped all over each other and whooped and hollowed in scenes reminiscent of grand final celebrations.

"It was more relief that we'd finally won for a change than anything else," Fisher said, "but some of the players who've been around for four or five years were definitely crying." The coach is certain last Saturday's win won't be the last for the year. "We're a young side and we're learning how to link up and play together."

The first win by Applecross was at home at Shirley Strickland Oval in Ardross and the Hawks did it in style by 31 points over Nollamara.

A six goal third quarter put the seal on the game and the stars were Steven Florente, Clayton Pritchard and Shane Artemis who each kicked four goals.

Applecross plays in the WAFA, a 13-team Saturday competition affiliated to the Sunday Football League.

"The competition is great for one-team clubs and helps them get off the ground," Fisher said. "Applecross is gaining experience and by playing good teams the players can see how much better they need to be."

Some pretty good players get around in the WAFA. The best player for Nollamara last week was Ashley Blurton (Richmond and West Coast) while Troy Ugle, a high flyer with both the Eagles and Swan Districts in his prime, played for the premiers Magpies last year and has suited up again in 2005.

But for this week at least the glamour team of the WAFA is Applecross.

From the Fremantle Rooster

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