BIG FORWARDS LEAD THE WAY
By CONNOR PAIN
Altona produced a scintillating comeback to knock off Deer Park, overturning a 16-point first quarter lead to run out 16.11. (107) to 10.8. (68) winners in TIV Division 1.
It was a team effort as the Vikings had 11 individual goalkickers with Mitchell Van Den Berg the standout with three majors.
Deer Park got the jump early with a six goal to three opening term but were well held after the first break. Altona turned a 16-point deficit into a seven-point lead at the main break and put the foot down after half-time.
The visitors extended their lead after three quarters and again at full time, the 39-point triumph highlighting the gulf between Altona (and Caroline Springs) and the chasing pack in Deer Park, Hoppers Crossing and Werribee Districts.
Bailey Morrish was valiant in defeat for the Lions and kicked a game-high four goals while Tim Quick was also impressive.
Deer Park now slip back to fourth and will need a win against Spotswood in Round 18 and a Hoppers Crossing loss to Caroline Springs to move back into third spot.
The Vikings will host the Yarraville Seddon Eagles in their final game of the home-and-away season.
Hoppers Crossing have one hand on a finals double chance after a comfortable 57-point win against Spotswood that all but ends the Woodsmen’s finals hopes.
The Warriors responded early after a disappointing performance against Altona in Round 16, taking a three-goal lead after the first term that only grew by half time as the home side entered the sheds up by 42.
The second half played out as the first did with Hoppers Crossing just far too strong, Spotswood held to exactly 30 points in both halves of the 18.9. (117) to 9.6. (60) loss.
Riley Fisher kicked five goals for the Warriors, while Josh Pickess and Nicholas Poland also played well.
Steven O’Bryan continued his good form despite the loss with four goals and best-on honours for the Woodsmen.
The loss all but ends Spotswood’s incredible finals streak that had seen them make the postseason every year since 2000.
St Albans have all but locked up seventh spot thanks to a hard fought 10.13. (73) to 9.9. (63) comeback win against the Eagles.
The Saints trailed at half time despite taking an early lead, but a spirited second half fightback saw the visitors kick five goals to two and overcome a pesky Eagles outfit.
The 10-point win puts the Saints a game and percentage clear of the Eagles as they will finish the 2022 season with a tough matchup against Werribee Districts.
Daniel Nielson had a day out with a season-high 13 goals in Werribee District’s 30.17. (197) to 7.6. (48) romp of Sunshine.
The key forward was the pick of the bunch as he ran riot all day, beating his previous season high of eight goals comfortably and helps his side all but confirm their place in the finals thanks to the 149-point thumping.
Ryan Allan booted nine goals and Steve Kyriazis seven as Caroline Springs demolished Point Cook to the tune of 186-points.
Both forwards backed up last week’s monster performances but it was Kyriazis who stole the show again in the 34.18(222) to 5.6(36) thrashing, the high-flyer making it back-to-back weeks of seven goals and being voted best-on-ground.
The Lakers now confirmed as minor premiers after a dominant campaign that has seen them drop just one game all season.