Kangas back on winners’ list

The influence of former WAFL midfielder Matt Orzel and spearhead Daniel Parker has proved a winning combination for North Albany as they snapped a three-game losing streak on Sunday afternoon.

In their fourth home game in a row, the Kangas produced a slick first half that set up their 36-point victory, with Orzel and Daniel Parker at the forefront of the result against an Albany side that refused to go away.

Orzel has 135 league games of experience at WAFL level and in only his second game of the season for the Kangas, booted two class goals in the second term and was a driving force in the midfield all afternoon.

The 34-year-old received the match ball as part of Think Mental Health Round for his best-on field display as the Kangas won, 13.10 (88) to 7.10 (52).

Daniel Parker, who played seven reserves games for East Fremantle in the WAFL last season, had been out of sorts in recent weeks but responded with his best performance of 2019.

The power forward booted three goals in the opening term as the Kangas opened up a 23-point advantage and when his side were challenged in the last term, he stepped up with two majors.

A six-goal haul from the dual Sean Plaisted medallist was the ideal return as the Kangas prepare for a crucial fortnight against Mt Barker and Royals. The Kangas led by 39 points at half-time before the heavens opened in the third and when the Sharks kicked the first two goals of the final term, the deficit was reduced to 24 points.

However, two steadying goals from Daniel Parker ensured the reigning premiers avoided a disastrous fourth straight loss at Collingwood Park, keeping the Kangas in touch with the top two in the process.

Ruckman Stuart Parker formed a terrific partnership with Orzel at stoppages and the big man was also in the Kangas’Kangas best along with Nathan Crudeli and lively half-forward Rhori Williams-Jolley.

Kangas coach Craig Dew handed more of the senior duties to his assistant Rod Gillies in preparation for his absence in the latter part of the season.

“We’ll take out of it the first half,” Dew said. “Some of our ball movement was slick and Matty Orzel and Stu Parker, their clearance work was terrific.

“Our kids have been playing well and we knew the senior players, a lot who’ve had limited pre-seasons would come eventually and I think that’s starting to happen.”

Coen Marwick was outstanding for the Sharks, with his ability to win the ball and set up attack set to net Kleemann Medal votes.

The Sharks failed to have a multiple goal kicker and Flynn Turton made his debut but coach Kim Mayfield said small things were still letting his side down.

“Our third quarter got us back into the game but we’ve got to stop the opposition from free flowing (attack),” he said.

“We are playing better than last year but our losing margin is worse that’s difficult to explain to the players but we are now trying to play like a football team and getting hurt when we turn it over.”