SPOTSWOOD ONE STEP CLOSER TO FINALS RETURN
By Connor Pain |
Spotswood produced its finest win of the season, knocking off reigning premiers Hoppers Crossing that now sees the Woodsmen requiring just one win in their final two games to seal their first finals appearance since 2019.
The home side led early in perfect conditions at Donald McLean Reserve, however it was the Warriors ahead at the half after a strong five goal to two second term.
Wayward kicking kept things tight, but it was all Spotswood in the second half, eight goals to four in an incredible turnaround.
Kyle Blake and Chris Seymour led a stringent Woodsmen defence that conceded just three behinds in the third term, but Braden Ferrari and Ryan Kitchen (four goals) ensured Hoppers didn’t go away.
In the end Spotswood was more than up to the fight, running away 13.16 (94) to 10.12 (72) victors.
Sam Cross booted six goals in the 22-point win, a date with Parkside awaiting in Round 17 with the Woodsmen’s finals destiny in their own hands.
Meanwhile, the result saw Hoppers Crossing drop from the second to fourth on the ladder ahead of a crucial match-up with Yarraville Seddon.
The Eagles remain in the hunt for top spot following a hard-fought 16-point win over Newport.
Despite jumping out of the blocks with a six goal to one first term, the visitors still had work to do particularly after a goalless third quarter with the Panthers closing within seven points thanks to the efforts of Nayef Hamad and Jackson Fullerton.
Crisis was averted in the last with West Barker and Akol Deng continuing strong days as Yarraville Seddon triumphed 11.12 (78) to 9.8 (62).
The Eagles remain a game behind top placed Werribee Districts and a game clear of Caroline Springs and Hoppers Crossing.
In Round 17, Newport head down the road to face Altona after a long day at Soldiers Reserve.
Werribee Districts had their match-up with Altona sewn up at half time before saluting 19.11 (125) to 6.8 (44).
Following back-to-back losses, Harrison White (four goals) and Lachlan Rainbow (three goals) helped get Districts back to winnings ways with their 14th victory of the season.
The ladder leaders can all but confirm the minor premiership with a win against Sunshine this weekend.
Caroline Springs survived a tight encounter with Albion recording a narrow 10-point away win.
The Lakers had a solid lead at halftime but 2.12 after the main break kept the Cats well and truly in the hunt until the final siren.
Despite their inaccuracy, the visitors held on to win 7.19 (61) to 7.9 (51) with Ben Caluzzi and Ethan Mantas important contributors.
The Lakers now sit third on percentage, ahead of what should be a much easier clash with Point Cook Centrals.
A dominant second half saw Point Cook overrun Sunshine 20.17 (137) to 7.12 (54), the visitors finishing the match with 11 goals to two for their sixth win of the year.
Michael Cilmi and Max Rouvray starred in attack, each kicking four majors for the Bulldogs, who can make it two wins in a row when they host Albion.
Jy Lambley (six goals) and Parkside ran riot in their 22.10 (142) to 3.13 (31) demolition of Point Cook Centrals.
The Magpies didn’t let up in their second straight win, closing out the game with eight goals in the final term.