By Jonty Ralphsmith
Pakenham’s season came to a close on Saturday afternoon with a 5-0 loss to Mount Eliza at Emil Masden Reserve.
Pakenham fell behind early, conceding four goals in the first half, but in a nod to their newfound late-season grit and pride, they conceded just one goal in the second half in a hard-fought finish.
The youthful squad’s ability to run out the game bodes well ahead of a preseason where fitness is set to be a key item on the agenda.
United finished the State League 5 South competition in 11th spot, just two points clear of bottom-placed Cleeland, but looked a rejuvenated unit following the appointment of new coach Dean Alburey.
That he has spent a month immersed in the club prior to his first full season at the helm has given the coach a headstart into the areas that need addressing and an insight into the culture.
Elsewhere, Endeavour Hills finished the season with a 1-0 loss to Aspendale, with the Fire sixth on the table with seven wins and six draws from 22 games.
Noble Hurricanes had a 3-1 win over Mount Martha and sit second with 17 wins and two draws, just three points behind top-placed Rosebud.
Bunyip’s last game yielded a shock 4-3 loss to bottom-placed Cleeland, and they finished seventh with seven wins and four draws.
10th-placed Casey finished the year with a 2-1 win over Barton.
