VIKINGS ARE THE BEST OF THE WEST
By CONNOR PAIN
Altona have claimed the 2022 TIV Division 1 Seniors premiership after knocking off a gallant Werribee Districts 10.21. (81) to 9.4. (58), capping a brilliant year.
The Vikings were just too good for Districts on the day, as Connor Menadue was voted best on ground for a dominant display both in the middle and up forward, winning the Herb Pascarl Medal.
The victors didn’t have it all their own way as Werribee got off to a great start, booting three of the game’s first four goals before Joel Menadue kicked two in as many minutes to get his side back on level terms before the quarter time siren.
The heavens opened up in the second which turned the game into a slog, with the majority of possession and territory controlled by Altona.
Despite facing repeat entry and a relentless attack on the ball by the Vikings midfield, Districts held firm and entered the half-time break, just 12-points down.
The second half started positively for the Werribee Districts, as they managed to get the lead down to a solitary goal, but as they’ve done time and time again in the home and away season and during finals, Altona stood firm and stood tall.
Altona managed just two majors as the rain eased, but piled on nine total scoring shots as their run and pressure was unrelenting, restricting Werribee and stifling their ability to move the ball from defence to attack.
With everything to play for entering the fourth, Altona had the lead and the momentum while Werribee had the fairytale story just waiting to be written.
It was the Vikings who rose above, withstanding wave after wave of forward 50 entries and repelling each as they came.
Kelly Pickard stood tallest in defence with several huge intercept pack marks before Taylor Whitford’s goal midway through the final term that proved to be the sealer.
Werribee kicked two late goals but by then the game had been decided, with the final siren sounding and Altona completing its near perfect season with the 23-point triumph, winning their first flag since 2012.
Saad El-Hawli, Ethan Taylor and Jack Norman stood up when called upon as they’ve done so all season, while Pickard was unlucky to not be award best on after an outstanding performance across all four quarters.
Andrew Panayi and Matthew Dean were Werribee’s best and tried hard all day, while Joshua Mould was at his usual best.
As is often said, there can only be one winner and after the 2022 WRFL Division One Seniors season, the Altona Vikings are premiers.
In the Reserves, it was Werribee Districts who defeated Altona 11.4. (70) to Altona 8.8. (56).
Harley Kilby was named Best on Ground for his efforts.
In the Under 18 Division 1 game, Werribee Districts capped off the perfect season with a 22-point win over Point Cook.
Josh Gerolemou was named Best on Ground.