FIVE FINALISTS & POINT COOK SALUTE IN FINAL ROUND
By Connor Pain |Â
Werribee Districts secured a third consecutive TIV Division 1 minor premiership with a final round triumph, a red-hot five goal to one fourth quarter enough to see the ladder leaders overcome a Parkside 14.22 (106) to 10.8 (68).
On a day that saw Daniel Nielson finish as the competition’s top goal kicker (two for the day, 64 total), Werribee were made to earn their 16th win as the Magpies got the jump and led at the first break.
Inaccurate kicking hurt the home side early before they regained the ascendency in the second, but they were still engaged in a dog fight after the half, with just eight points separating the sides at the final change.
A blistering last term saw Districts record 12 total scoring shots to two, the final margin stretching to 38-points ahead of a week’s break as reward for finishing top of the table.
Despite the final round loss Parkside end the season having doubled their win tally from a year ago while climbing to a sixth-place finish.
A consistent four-quarter performance helped Point Cook to a third straight win and an eighth win of the season, as they downed Altona by 29 points away from home.
Leading at every break, the final round showing from the Bulldogs was indicative of their second half of 2025 that saw a huge improve after a dour start.
The visitors regained former Brisbane Lion and current Williamstown VFL-listed player Blake Coleman along with vice-captain Shaun Wyatt for the clash, with the former playing a key role for Saade Ghazi’s side.
Michael Cilmi, Coleman and Joshua Kuppen all kicked three majors in the 14.10 (94) to 9.11 (65) triumph, that proved to be the final game in charge for Travis Varcoe with the Vikings mentor electing to step down after two years at JK Grant Reserve.
Caroline Springs was made to work against Newport, coming from behind and locking up third spot with the 51-point away win.
In a game closer than the final margin suggested, the Lakers got a final test before finals with Cooper Pepi (three goals) and Benjamin Davey proving important in the second half comeback.
They’ll now face Yarraville Seddon in a Qualifying Final with the winner to play Werribee Districts.
Josh Pickess kicked a game-high six goals in Hoppers Crossing’s hard-fought 15.11 (101) to 7.8 (50) win over Albion.
The Warriors turned it on in the second half with nine goals to one after the Cats started the better of the two sides, with the visitors holding a slender four-point lead at the main break thanks to the efforts of Darcy McPherson and Josh Bench.
Albion finished the season with four straight losses but will have gained plenty of admirers after a strong return to the top division.
After winning last year’s premiership from fifth place Hoppers Crossing again faces a win-or-go-home scenario and will meet Spotswood in the Elimination Final on Sunday.
Young gun Oliver Castro’s six majors highlighted Spotswood’s comprehensive 106-point victory over Sunshine at Donald McLean Reserve.
Ten Woodsmen hit the scoreboard in the 23.10 (148) to 6.6 (42) triumph, while James Cleaver was again outstanding.
Yarraville Seddon recorded its 15th win of the campaign, putting an exclamation mark on a second-place home and away finish with a crushing 22.25 (157) to 7.2 (44) result against Point Cook Centrals in coach Dean Chambers’ last game at the helm for the Sharks.
There were some big outings by Eagles with midfield maestro Michael Selsby tallying 54 disposals and four goals while Tyson Brazel booted seven majors.
Centrals finish the year as wooden spooners while the Eagles are gearing up a historic flag tilt.