WERRIBEE DISTRICTS FLEX MUSCLES TO SECURE MINOR PREMIERSHIP
By Connor Pain |
Werribee Districts have finished the TIV Division 1 Men’s home and away season as minor premiers for a second consecutive year, thanks to a clinical 10.12 (72) to 6.6 (42) triumph over Caroline Springs.
Both sides entered the clash needing a win to secure top spot, and it was the visitors and reigning premiers who took control and now have a week off.
The Lakers started brightly with the game’s first three goals as uncharacteristic mistakes in defence from Werribee Districts hurt them early.
Steadying midway through the opening term, Districts found their way back and trailed by just one major at the first break.
Chris Gilham’s quarter time message worked wonders as the visitors blitzed their hosts in the second, six goals to two flipping the game and turning a six-point deficit into a 21-point lead at the half.
The defence of Werribee Districts stood tall in the second half and despite Caroline Springs cutting the lead to three goals at the final change it was as close as they would get.
The Lakers were stiffled inside forward 50 in the last, unable to generate a clean look on goal and were held scoreless with Ryan Allan and Brian Lake onlookers from the bench.
Werribee Districts can rest up with this week off, while the Caroline Springs will face Yarraville Seddon in a Qualifying Final.
Hoppers Crossing drove a stake through Point Cook’s season, easing past the Bulldogs by 156 points in a pre-finals tune up.
Thirteen individual goal kickers chipped in for the Warriors who enter an Elimination Final clash with Altona in red-hot form following Saturday’s 29.16 (190) to 4.8 (32) demolition of the wooden-spooners.
Mitchell Kunigiskis and Bailey Young were the most danaging forwards for Hoppers Crossing each bagging four goals with Lochlan Allen and Hayden Lawlor finishing the year off well for Point Cook.
Yarraville Seddon survived a late scare to just get over Spotswood 10.14 (74) to 9.15 (69).
Trailing after the first term, the Eagles then took charge and led by four goals heading into the last on the back of the play of Michael Selsby and Klyde Milroy.
Spotswood would finish strongly but inaccuracy ended their chances of finishing their season with a win, 2024 seeing the Woodsmen finish three games out of the finals picture.
A fast-starting Altona held their nerve late to cap off the home and away season with victory over Point Cook Centrals.
After a seven-goal to two opening term in favour of the home side the Sharks worked their way back to be just eight points down with a quarter to play.
However, three goals in the final stanza would see the Vikings wrap up a 14.10 (94) to 9.12 (66) win, a good tune up ahead of what shapes as an arm wrestle first final against Hoppers Crossing with the loser’s season over.