SPOTSWOOD STUN WERRIBEE DISTRICTS
By NICK BOYLAN
After starting the season 0-4, Spotswood have surged back into premiership contention with a stunning 10-point win over TIV Division 1 ladder-leaders Werribee Districts.
The Tigers held a 12-point lead going into half-time, with Andrew Panayi continuing another strong year in front of goal and Jordan Patty providing plenty at ground level. However, Werribee Districts were held goalless in the second half, kicking 11 straight behinds.
At the other end, Stephen O’Bryan starred in front of goal with five majors, as he and Grant Williams led a stirring Spotswood fightback with a three-goal last term. Spotswood’s win keeps them in fifth position, while knocking the Tigers back down to second. Werribee Districts will have a chance to reclaim top spot when they take on new ladder-leaders Altona next weekend, while Sunshine are next in line to face the rampaging Woodsmen.
The Kangaroos were on their own hot streak of three-in-a-row, but went down to a strong Hoppers Crossing side by 31-points. Brenton Payne continued his supreme form in front of goals, adding four majors to take his 2021 tally to a league-leading 37 goals. Ethan Henley and David Barbieri also starred for the Warriors, bouncing back after a disappointing loss to the Tigers last week.
Hoppers Crossing take on Caroline Springs next weekend, who come off a monster 123-point win over Point Cook. The Lakers had an impressive 11 goalkickers on the afternoon, with Jy Lambley best afield for the winners. The Prestige Group Real Estate Division 2-bound Bulldogs will be hoping their second win of the year comes next weekend against Yarraville Seddon.
In Yarraville, the Eagles continued their rollercoaster season in Division 1 with a nail-biting two-point loss against St Albans. Jarrod Tuppen and Josh Hill ensured the Saints weren’t going to let another game slip away, winning their fifth game of the season.
St Albans will look to start a late-season finals push next week against reigning premiers Deer Park, who were outclassed by Altona to the tune of 30-points. After a closely fought first half between the two sides, it was the Vikings who kicked six goals to one in the second half to run away with victory. Kosta Arapidis starred on debut with three goals, while Josh Bench was also brilliant for Altona, who return to the top of the table.