DEJA VU FOR THE LIONS, SPOTSWOOD’S WINNING START
By CONNOR PAIN
It was déjà vu for Deer Park on Saturday as Caroline Springs got their 2022 TIV Division 1 season off to the perfect start, defeating the Lions by 55-points.
The Lakers were on top from the opening bounce and a six goal to two advantage in the second term, put the result beyond doubt.
Max Tessari was at his damaging best. Named best on ground in the victory, he was a standout for Caroline Springs – his goal in the final quarter capping off a special day for him and the team.
Todd Elton booted three goals for the visitors on what was a dogged day.
The Lions can atone for a disappointing start when they host Sunshine in Round 2, while Caroline Springs head to Yarraville to face the Eagles.
Altona kicked 10 final quarter goals to run over the top of St Albans on Saturday.
The Saints led by one point at three-quarter time, with the game evenly poised heading into the final term, but it was the Vikings who ended the game strongly.
Joel Menadue led the way, kicking six goals, while Elliot Cavallaro also bagged three majors in his first game back. Ethan Taylor and Josh Bench were also influential in the 60-point win.
It is a disappointing result for St Albans. They kicked just one goal after quarter time, to Altona’s 14.
They will look to bounce back, when they go head-to-head with Spotswood in Round 2.
The Woodsman made sure last year’s slow start wasn’t repeated with a thumping 90-point win against the Yarraville Seddon Eagles.
A slow first quarter mattered little as Spotswood ran over the top of the Eagles to the tune of 19 goals to six after the first break, cruising to a 20.13. (133) to 6.7. (43) win.
Steven O’Bryan kicked five goals, while Kyle Blake was named best on ground. For the Eagles, it was Oscar Gordon’s two goals and effort around the ground that gave him best on ground honours.
A six goal to zero second quarter proved to be the difference in Hoppers Crossing’s win over Sunshine at Kinder Smith Reserve.
The Warriors, led by Jack Dorgan who kicked five goals, controlled the game, winning 19.16. (130) to 8.11. (59).
Daniel Nielsen’s eight goals punctuated Werribee Districts’ big 25.21. (171) to 4.4. (28) thumping win of Point Cook at Saltwater Reserve.
It was a big win for the visitors, who had 46 scoring shots to Point Cook’s eight.
Nielson, Bailey Siwek and Sean Gregory were among the best.
Werribee Districts will look to make it two-from-two this week, as they host Altona at Keogh Homes Oval in Round 2, while Point Cook will play Hoppers Crossing.