WARRIORS FALL, LIONS RISE
By CONNOR PAIN
Hoppers Crossing have dropped out of the TIV Division 1 top three after losing to Altona by 47-points on Saturday.
The Warriors got the jump and controlled play early on, but it was the Vikings who struck first thanks to Taylor Whitford, who finished with a game-high four majors.
Both sides traded goals midway through the first before Altona showed why they are a force, taking control of the game. Heading into the first break with a 14-point.
The second term played out in much the same fashion with the home side in control, while Harley Armstrong-Weston continued to dominate in the ruck for Hoppers Crossing.
A 19-point half time lead was strengthened after the main break with Altona’s breadth of goal kickers hitting the scoreboard.
Altona continued its dominance when the game restarted after an injury delay in the third quarter.
The Vikings were just far too strong in the end with the Warriors lack of attacking options evident in the 47-point Altona win.
A matchup with Deer Park awaits the Vikings, while the Warriors, who now sit fourth on the ladder, host Spotswood in a must-win for both sides.
Deer Park had 11 individual goalkickers as they cruised to an 83-point triumph against local rivals St Albans.
The Lions were in control from the opening bounce, taking a 25-0 lead after the first term before extending that to 49-points at the main break.
The Saints managed just a single goal after half time with the visitors showing their might in the Round 16 clash.
The 16.11.(107) to 3.6.(24) win pushes Deer Park into third place with just two games remaining, destiny in their hands if they’re to finish with a double chance.
A 12-goal opening quarter was all Spotswood needed in a much-need win against Point Cook.
The 19.19. (133) to 9.8. (62) victory was all but confirmed after such a dominant first term, with James Cleaver and Steven O’Bryan the best of the goalkickers with four majors each.
Daniel Nielson had a field day in Werribee Districts rampant 24.20. (164) to 7.6. (48) thumping of the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, the big forward kicking a game-high seven goals.
Twelve individual players hit the scoreboard for Werribee Districts in the 116-point win, the Eagles recent good form disappearing and puts the victors in the box seat to claim the last finals spot.
Steven Kyriazis was the star of the show in Caroline Springs’ 192-point demolition of Sunshine, his seven goals and best-on ground performance the highlight of the round’s biggest win.
Ryan Allan had himself a bag with seven majors of his own, an amazing effort by both players.