VIKINGS CHARGE TO FIRST PLACE
By NICK BOYLAN
There were plenty of dominant victories in RAMS Division 1 football this week, none more impactful than Altona’s 100-point win over Sunshine. The Vikings big win has seen them leapfrog Deer Park into first position on the ladder.
In the opening quarter, Altona had the early running, but couldn’t capitalise on the scoreboard. Patrick Rose missed two early shots, but was able to eventually get the Vikings first goal. Sunshine ruckman Declan Moloney was working incredibly hard to give his midfielders golden opportunities, but Altona dominated the early part of the quarter with their inaccuracy leading to a slim nine-point lead at quarter-time.
Sunshine coach Adam Contessa was unhappy with his side’s ball movement inside 50, saying that the team were “losing the shape” in the attacking part of the ground. Contessa called for more kicks into open space to utilise Lachlan Smart and Fabian Brancatisano’s leg speed in front of goal.
With the second term getting underway, Sunshine’s back six continued to stand up under enormous Altona pressure, but were too quick to turn the ball over. As Rose scored his third, the game began to open up for the Vikings, as they found open teammates all over the ground.
While Sunshine managed to kick two goals against the flow of play, Rose and the Vikings continued to put scoreboard pressure on the Kangaroos.
After the main break, things started to turn heavily in the Vikings favour. Rose and Elliot Cavallaro continued to be tough to stop up forward, with Joseph Dalton having a terrific game of his own. Altona kept Sunshine to only two behinds in the quarter, and kicked 4.7 of their own, to hold a 51-point lead going into the last quarter.
From there it was an Altona onslaught, with Rose notching a bag of 8 goals, and the Vikings kicking 9.9 for the quarter. Altona’s blemishes in front of goal saved Sunshine from an even larger margin, with the Kangaroos beaten soundly in the midfield and by Altona’s superior running.
Elsewhere, Deer Park were dislodged from first position by Spotswood, with the visitors recording an impressive 17-point win. Deer Park will hope to get back on the winners list next week when they host St Albans. Spotswood will be continuing their own strong form when they are visited by Point Cook.
Hoppers Crossing are staying in the finals hunt with a strong 50-point win at Caroline Springs, highlighted by a great performance from Chase Guy. The Warriors will be hoping to extend their winning ways against Sunshine next week, while Caroline Springs travel to Werribee Districts.
It will be a tough trip for Caroline Springs, as Werribee Districts looked dominant in their 125-point win over Point Cook. Christopher Molivas starred for Werribee Districts kicking six goals, while Dillon Viojo-Rainbow put in a best on ground performance.
St Albans also recorded a major win, defeating the winless Albion by 191-points. Ben Said continued his terrific season up forward, with five majors taking his tally up to 26 for the year.