WARRIORS START PREMIERSHIP DEFENCE WITH WIN
By Connor Pain
Hoppers Crossing got their TIV Division 1 premiership defence off to a winning start putting a slow start behind them at Altona to triumph 13.6 (84) to 7.10 (52).
The Warriors registered just two scores in the opening term as the Vikings, without boom recruit Emerson Jeka, led at quarter time.
The hosts should have taken a bigger advantage into the main break, but Travis Varcoe’s side failed to make the most of their opportunities in the second kicking 2.6 to hold a six-point buffer.
After shaking off the cobwebs early, Hoopers Crossing found their feet in the second half with a six-goal to one third quarter giving the visitors a 25-point lead ahead of the last.
Altona kicked the first goal of the final term, but the Warriors responded when challenged to come away 32-point winners.
Veteran Ryan Kitchen bagged a game-high four goals, while Mitch Van Den Berg kicked three majors for Altona.
Hoppers Crossing recruits Klyde Milroy, Arki Van Wills and Jason Pongracic all had an impact with the trio amongst the best players for the reigning premiers.
The Warriors will now unfurl their 2024 TIV Division 1 flag in Round 2 ahead of their meeting with Caroline Springs.
In the Match of the Day, Spotswood produced a final quarter turnaround for the ages, flipping a 29-point three-quarter time deficit into a 26-point opening round win.
A remarkable 10 goals to one in the last term helped the Woodsmen claim the four points giving new coach Steve O’Bryan the perfect start to his tenure.
Newport’s Division 1 debut and the first ever match-up between the Panthers and Spotswood was set to feature a pair of ex-AFL stars in Bachar Houli (Newport) and Lachie Hunter (Spotswood), however, Hunter who is based in Sydney, was a match day scratching after tweaking his back on the flight to Melbourne on Saturday morning.
After a big recruiting drive in the offseason Newport started strongly kicking four goals to one in the first quarter and were in control at the main break with a 14-point lead.
The hosts extended their lead further after the restart to be up by 29 points with a quarter to play, but nothing could prepare them for the Woodsmen’s onslaught in the last.
Having only kicked five goals across the first three stanzas the goals came thick and fast for Spotswood in the final term as the visitors raced home to win 15.15 (105) to 12.7 (79).
Star midfielders David Iaccarino and Jack Charleston were influential for the Woodsmen while Mohamed Fofana was Newport’s best.
Spotswood will host Point Cook Centrals in Round 2 while Newport will look to atone and nab their first top division win against Point Cook who were trounced by Werribee Districts.
Daniel Nielson starred in his return to Soldiers Reserve booting 10 goals as last year’s runners-up thumped the Bulldogs 17.9 (111) to 8.9 (57).
Werribee Districts face Yarraville Seddon next after the Eagles held on to claim a narrow three-point victory over Caroline Springs.
The visitors led all day as the inaccuracy plagued the Lakers for three quarters before they were finally able to convert regularly in the last.
New recruit Frank Campisi had the chance to win it after the siren for Caroline Springs, but his set shot struck the goal post with the Eagles escaping with a 11.6 (72) to 9.15 (69) triumph.
Parkside was too strong for Sunshine as the Division 2 premiers made their return to the top grade.
After a competitive opening at Kindersmith Reserve the Magpies then gained the ascendancy with a six-goal second quarter.
Seven goals to four in the second half helped Parkside secure the four points 17.9 (111) to 8.9 (57) with Liam Canny instrumental with four majors and best on ground honors.
Sunshine’s only multiple goal kicker Matthew Medcraft was also the top performer for the Kangaroos.
Meanwhile, Point Cook Centrals started the season the season on the right foot with a tight seven-point victory over newcomers Albion.
The hosts overturning a half time deficit to run out 13.7 (85) to 11.12 (78) victors after a good showing from the newly promoted Cats.
Recruits Tom Rowland and Kyan Upsall had a major influence for the Sharks while Darcy McPherson was outstanding for the Cats.