SPOTSWOOD CHARGE HOME
By NICK BOYLAN
In an exciting round of TIV Division 1 football, four games were decided by 10 points or less, with all sides eager to impact the run home to finals.
With Spotswood playing host to Deer Park, it was the Woodsmen who stormed home in the second half to win by 10-points. The Lions started strongly through Lachie Smart and Aaron Britten, recording a 37-point lead at quarter-time, leaving Spotswood searching for answers.
After a sluggish second term from both sides, the second half belonged to Anthony Eames’ side. A goal after the three-quarter time siren from captain David Iaccarino set up a thrilling finish, as Sam Davis, and Brydan Hodgson provided plenty of run from half-back. Brandon Walshe’s insertion into the ruck proved a match-winning move, as Spotswood kicked five goals to one in the last quarter to record a huge victory.
The Woodsmen now move into fifth position, ready to take on ladder-leaders Altona next weekend, while Deer Park will host Yarraville Seddon, who are fresh off a nail-biting two-point victory over Caroline Springs.
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After leading all afternoon, the Lakers couldn’t stop the surge of the Eagles in the last quarter, with Yarraville Seddon scoring five goals to one to scrape home. Archi Manton starred with five goals for the Eagles, while Joshua Wills and Jordan Robinson also impressed for the winners. Caroline Springs will hope they can snap a five-game losing streak against St Albans.
Elsewhere, in a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash, it was ladder-leading Altona who held off a fast-finishing Hoppers Crossing side, to win by five-points. The Vikings led at every change, with three goals to one in the final term from the Warriors almost securing an immense victory. Jayden Post was brilliant for Altona, while David Barbieri was key to the Hoppers Crossing fightback.
St Albans had their own close encounter in Round 11, but weren’t able to get on the winner’s list, going down to Sunshine by five points. Thomas Mundy and Harrison Minett were instrumental in the Kangaroos’ second win of the season, who will take huge confidence into next week’s clash with Point Cook.
Visiting Soldier’s Reserve, the Bulldogs battled valiantly, but were ultimately outclassed by Werribee Districts to the tune of 49-points. Ex-North Melbourne big man Daniel Nielson kicked six majors, while Lachy Rainbow continued his stellar 2021 with a best-on-ground display. The Tigers will have a chance to go outright 2nd on the ladder with a win over Hoppers Crossing next week.