Posted on Monday 24th July, 2023

WOODSMEN KEEP FINALS HOPES ALIVE

By CONNOR PAIN

Spotswood produced a huge upset to keep its finals hopes alive, knocking off Point Cook by 31-points to now sit just percentage outside of the top four.

Samuel Cross’ seven-goal haul and best-on-ground performance highlighted the win, as Sam Harvey chipped in with four majors of his own.

A six goal to three first term was the perfect start against the second-placed visitors who extended their first quarter lead to 30-points at the main break.

Point Cook won the third term but could only trim the margin by three-points, before the final term saw the winners extend their lead once again as they ran out the 17.9(111) to 11.14(80) win.

Cross’ man of the match performance came in game 200 which won’t be forgotten anytime soon, the win the perfect launching pad ahead of a date with Hoppers Crossing this week that could see them into fourth if results go their way.

The Bulldogs face a tough ask to get back on the winners list when they travel to face Altona in what should be the game of Round 15.

Altona produced one of their best comebacks for the season knocking off Point Cook Centrals 12.12(84) to 12.3(75).

Despite trailing at each break and down by as much as 34-points at one stage, the Vikings stood up when called upon.

Nine goals to four after half time was the difference as they peppered the goals, Joel Menadue’s four majors seeing his side back into second.

Another close loss would hurt the Sharks, that being their sixth loss this season by 12 points or less.

It doesn’t get any easier as they host Werribee Districts this week.

Yarraville Seddon Eagles proved too good against Hoppers Crossing, running out comfortable 28-point victors.

The Eagles consistency over four quarters was the difference as they led at each break and cruised to the 15.6.(96) to 9.14(68) win.

The Eagles can make it four wins on the trot when they host Caroline Springs in a genuine eight-pointer.

Werribee Districts needed their own comeback as they fought hard to maintain their undefeated season, their 12.14(86) to 10.5(65) win arguably their toughest this season.

Trailing after the first two quarters and ahead by just two-points at the last break, the Tigers stormed ahead with five goals to two in the fourth that confirmed the 21-point win, all but sealing top spot with four games remaining.