Posted on Monday 5th June, 2023

SPOTSWOOD STUN IN DIVISION ONE

By CONNOR PAIN

Spotswood produced one of the upsets of the season with a resounding 14.5(89) to 6.10(46) win against Altona.

The Woodsmen got off to the perfect start with an accurate first quarter but soon trailed as the Vikings showed why they are the reigning premiers.

The visitors had the bulk of the scoring shots (nine to five) but their slow start meant they only entered the sheds at half time with an eight point buffer.

Whatever coach Tom German said at the main break worked wonders as Spotswood exploded out of the blocks.

Five straight goals coupled with holding Altona to just a solitary behind spurred the Woodsmen in what was their best third quarter performance of the season.

The onslaught continued in the last as they piled on another five goals to extend their three-quarter time lead even further, running out 43-point victors. Brandon Walshe starred up forward with a game-high four majors.

Spotswood are now two games clear of the trailing pack on the ladder and if Point Cook loses next week could sit just one game from third spot. They face a tough task in Round Nine when they hit the road against Werribee Districts.

Altona have a chance to bounce back from their second loss in three weeks when they host Yarraville Seddon at home.

Caroline Springs ground out a tough 12-point win against Point Cook Centrals, ending a four-game skid.

The Lakers were made to earn their fourth win of the season after trailing after the first and second quarters.

The visitors led marginally at the last break by just four points but did enough in the last to hold off the Sharks 10.14(74) to 9.8(62), restricting the home side to just one major.

The close loss has become a trend for Centrals and it won’t get any easier when they match up against Point Cook in Round Nine, the Lakers heading home to host Hoppers Crossing.

Lachlan Rainbow’s seven goals highlighted Werribee District’s rampant 121-point thumping of rivals Hoppers Crossing.

Eleven Tigers kicked majors in the huge win, seven of those with multiple as they grew stronger as the game grew, fifteen of their goals coming in the second half.

The 24.14(170) to 7.7(49) trouncing inflicts further pain on the Warriors, the wooden spoon and relegation already a real threat.

Yarraville Seddon Eagles host Point Cook on King’s Birthday Weekend, the last game of Round Eight.