VIKINGS CONQUER LIONS
By NICK BOYLAN
Saturday May 1 would have been a date circled by the entire Altona Football Club, as they took on Deer Park in a rematch of the 2019 Division 1 Grand Final. After watching the Lions lift a seventh consecutive premiership cup, it was the Vikings who exacted revenge this weekend with a 24-point win.
After Altona jumped out to a 16-point lead at quarter-time, Deer Park fought back for a slim three-point advantage at the main break, through the likes of Spiros Amarantidis and Scott Greenhough. The second half’s opening belonged to the Vikings, keeping the Lions goalless while adding five of their own, as Saad El-Hawli starred up forward for Altona.
Deer Park continued to fight back in the last quarter, but through Shae Killey and Mitch Van Den Berg, Altona were able to atone for their grand final loss, and hold on for an important victory.
The Lions will be searching for a quick reply next weekend when they take on St Albans, while unbeaten Altona face off with fellow Division 1 powerhouse Werribee Districts.
The Tigers sent their own message to the competition, recording their third win of the year with a comfortable 56-point victory over Spotswood. An eight goal to zero first-quarter for Werribee Districts set the tone for a big day, and while the Woodsmen fought back in the second term, it wasn’t enough.
Brandon Walshe kicked four majors for Spotswood, but was matched by Connor Thar’s own four goals for the Tigers, while young Benjamin Bowden-Tu’Uta starred in the win. This loss leaves Spotswood still searching for their first win, leaving their 20th straight finals campaign in doubt. The Woodsmen will hope they can get that elusive first win next week against Sunshine.
Elsewhere, St Albans stormed home from 19-points down at three-quarter time, to record a thrilling seven-point win over Yarraville Seddon Eagles. Stephen Heppel starred for St Albans in the comeback, alongside Cooper Pepi who slotted five goals.
Yarraville Seddon will look for their second win of the year against Point Cook next weekend, who were soundly defeated by 85-points at the hands of Caroline Springs. Jerome Caterino and Max Tessari starred for the Lakers, who will fancy themselves against Hoppers Crossing next weekend.
The Warriors were forced to battle Sunshine and their own inaccuracy, but did enough to beat the Kangaroos by 21-points. Hoppers Crossing were a wasteful 7.20 in front of goal, but Hayden Iannacone and Ethan Henley proved paramount to the Warriors’ third win of 2021.