VIKINGS PREVAIL AFTER THE SIREN
By CONNOR PAIN
Mitchell VanDenBerg kicked a goal after the siren to win Altona’s third game of the season, downing a gallant Point Cook 9.6.(60) to 8.7(55).
Trailing after the final siren sounded, VanDenBerg booted the winner thanks in large part to a 50-metre penalty that turned a 50-metre kick into a chip shot from the goal square.
The Vikings were made to work for four quarters by the Bulldogs, who took the lead going into the first break in a tight contest.
Three goals to one helped the visitors get on top, showing their ability to turn a game at a moment’s notice.
Neither side could take a stranglehold after the half time break with both booting two goals in the quarter, the game settling into a stalemate.
The Bulldogs kicked into gear in the last as both sides threw haymakers, as the home side finished ahead when the siren blew.
Yet it wasn’t enough thanks to VanDenBerg’s heroics, with Connor Menadue adding three majors in the low-scoring five-point win.
The Vikings face Hoppers Crossing in Round Four and will look to move up the ladder from fourth, despite winning three of three games to start the season.
Point Cook should have no shame in a tough defeat but face Caroline Springs in another early finals preview.
Werribee Districts proved too good for Point Cook Centrals, Jack Fletcher and Lachlan Rainbow’s four goals each the highlight of the 58-point triumph.
Another slow start doomed the Sharks with just a solitary behind scored in the first quarter.
The Tigers were consistently on top all afternoon with at least three goals in each term, pulling away from the home side in the fourth as they cruised to the 15.12(102) to 6.8(44) win.
The Sharks can bounce back in search of their first victory in a battle with Spotswood this week, while Werribee will host Yarraville Seddon Eagles.
Hoppers Crossing got the monkey off their back with a thumping 18.6(114) to 6.8(44) victory against Spotswood.
The Warriors were unfazed by a short week and two games in five days, putting it to the Woodsmen who disappointed after a solid performance against Altona in Round Three.
Caroline Springs made it three from three thanks to a 10-goal conquest against Yarraville Seddon.
Cooper Pepi kicked five and William Young four as the Lakers led pillar to post and now sit second on the ladder after the 20.11(131) to 10.8(68) win.