TOP 2 DOMINATE, ALTONA BACK ON WINNERS LIST
By Connor Pain |
Altona got its season back on track thanks to a dominant second half in Round 8, cruising to a 12.6 (78) to 8.3 (51) win against Parkside that lifts them off the bottom of the ladder.
Trailing at the first two breaks the Vikings were too good after halftime as they claimed their second win of the season that puts them just one game off the top four.
Early on it was all Parkside as the visitors got the game’s first three goals, helped in part due to multiple defensive turnovers from Altona.
The hosts steadied in the second quarter but couldn’t get their footing offensively and went into the half trailing by two points.
The adjustments made at the break would work wonders as the Vikings looked a new side in the third.
The game was all but decided in the premiership quarter as they booted six goals to one, running over the top of the Magpies who could do little but watch Altona stroll inside 50.
Having struggled to kick a winning score in recent weeks the Vikings had several different names on the scoresheet with Jake Whybrow and Spencer Johnson each kicking three goals.
The 27-point win gives Altona some momentum heading into a Round 9 matchup with Point Cook Centrals, while Parkside have work to do on and can regroup with two weeks off before returning to action on June 22.
Caroline Springs atoned for a disappointing loss last week with a dominant 69-point thumping of Point Cook Centrals.
Despite trailing at the first change, the Lakers were on a mission and kicked 15 goals to two following the opening break, outscoring the Sharks 100 to 15 across the final three terms.
The 15.13 (103) to 5.4 (34) victory sets up a tantalising Round 9 clash for Caroline Springs as they travel to face Werribee Districts in a real test of their premiership credentials.
The loss pushes the Sharks to the foot of the table as their season goes from bad to worse.
A freshened Werribee Districts used a dominant second term to romp to a 17.14 (116) to 6.13 (49) triumph against Spotswood, making it seven wins from seven in 2024.
Tight early, the visiting side took control with an eight-goal to one second term as the Woodsmen failed to make the most of their chances despite the dominance of ruckman Spencer Meagher.
Jack Bonnett kicked a season-best five majors in the comprehensive win as four other Districts players kicked multiple goals.
Now two games clear on top of the ladder, the reigning premiers can extend it to three if they’re able to defeat Caroline Springs in what shapes as one of the games of season.
Spotswood face Yarraville Seddon after the break, with the Eagles facing Point Cook this coming Saturday in the only game of the long weekend.