DISTRICTS GET PREMIERSHIP DEFENCE OFF TO WINNING START
By Connor Pain |
Werribee Districts survived an early scare to get its premiership defence off to the perfect start, downing Point Cook Centrals 11.17 (83) to 10.10 (70) in the opening round of TIV Division 1 Senior Men’s football.
Four goals to two in the final term helped the reigning premiers overcome a gallant Centrals side who had led at each break at Soldiers Reserve.
Scintillating ball movement from the Sharks stunned the home side early as they kicked the first four majors.
Best-on-ground Bailey Siwek and two goals to Jack Bonnett helped Districts get the game back on their terms but they still trailed entering the first break.
The restart saw the game descend into the anticipated arm wrestle with neither side able to fully arrest control, as Districts cut the Centrals lead to just four-points at the main break.
Siwek took his ball-winning to another level in the third as Districts continued to nullify the Sharks midfield, but it was the visitors who continued to answer and maintained a slim three-point lead at the final change.
Showing why they are again the team to beat in 2024, a comprehensive fourth quarter from the hosts was the telling blow as the Sharks had run out of answers.
Daniel Rosenzweig kicked a game-high three majors for the visitors who struggled for goals after a barnstorming first 15 minutes.
The bye awaits the Sharks while Districts face fellow contender Yarraville Seddon, who got off to a flying start with a thumping 72-point win against Caroline Springs.
Continuing the form they displayed at the tail end of last season, the Eagles built as each quarter progressed with Lachlan Green starring with five goals.
The comprehensive 17.15 (117) to 6.9 (45) victory sees Yarraville-Seddon top of the ladder after Round 1, while the Lakers face Hoppers Crossing next as both teams search for a first win of the season.
Last year’s Grand Finalist Point Cook were challenged but emerged victorious in a tight tussle with newly promoted Parkside at Saltwater Reserve, with Clay Smith’s men knocking off the Magpies 7.16 (58) to 5.10 (40).
The away side held a five-point advantage at the main break but were restricted to just one goal in the second half.
Jock Coates booted three majors for the Bulldogs who will now face a rested Altona, coming off the season-opening bye.
Spotswood’s blistering seven-goal to one second term saw the Woodsmen cruise to a 13.14 (92) to 7.16 (58) triumph over Hoppers Crossing.
Trailing at quarter time, it was all Spotswood after the first break as they booted 12 goals to six in the final three terms to run out comfortable 34-point winners.
Sam Cross bagged three goals for the Woodsmen with star recruit Jed Anderson named the best for the Warriors.
A clash with Parkside awaits Spotswood in Round 2.