VIKINGS END LAKERS UNBEATEN RUN
By CONNOR PAIN
Altona produced it’s best win of the TIV Division 1 season on Saturday, ending Caroline Springs unbeaten run.
Missing a host of players including Connor and Joel Menadue, two of the Vikings three top goalkickers on the season, you’d have been forgiven for not giving Altona much chance.
But Coach Corey McCall said he had a good feeling about the game and he proved to be right, as the Vikings incredible tackling pressure and ability to win the contested footy proving to be the difference.
They didn’t have it all their way despite a strong start, as the Lakers piled on seven straight goals over the first and second quarters and looked primed to tear the game apart at the half.
But a four goal to one third term was the entrée to the main course, as the Vikings were relentless in the final term, running out well deserving 23-point winners.
Matthew Trzeciak was awarded the EJ Whitten Medal for best on ground after an unlikely performance that saw him go one-out against Liam Read and Craig Searle all day, winning the ruck battle.
Caroline Springs can atone for their first loss in which they kicked just one goal in the second half when they face Spotswood, while Altona will look to back it up at home against Sunshine.
Corey Hitchcock’s five goals proved to be the difference and might have saved Yarraville-Seddon from relegation, the Eagles holding off Point Cook by eight-points in a tight contest.
The 13.5. (83) to 11.9. (75) winners got off to a fast start with six goals to one in the opening term but had to work to hold off the Bulldogs, who kicked more goals than the Eagles over the final three quarters (nine to seven) but just couldn’t overcome the early deficit.
Yarraville Seddon now sit two games clear of bottom-placed Sunshine ahead of a tough clash with Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook travelling to St Albans with a win all but securing them survival.
Spotswood produced a stirring comeback, turning a 31-point deficit at quarter time into a 32-point win against Werribee Districts that ties the clubs on the ladder in wins.
Ethan Bentley and David Iaccarino produced again for the Woodsmen who stifled Werribee Districts, kicking 14 goals to four after the first break.
Brandon Walshe booted four majors in the 16.11. (107) to 11.9. (75) triumph and will give Spotswood a huge boost in the chase for finals.
Deer Park sit just percentage outside of third spot thanks to a hard fought 10.18. (78) to 7.5. (47) win against Hoppers Crossing.
The Lions suppressed the Warriors after the first break, a theme in this week’s results, and goes a long way to consolidating their spot inside the top four.
Levi Greenwood was dominant for the Lions, with Nicolas Aleksovski, Lachie Smart and Billy Cannolo, each kicking two goals.
Josh Carter’s six majors highlighted St Albans 132-point win against Sunshine.
The Saints had 11 individual goal kickers in the 25.16. (166) to 4.10. (34) demolition.