SUNSHINE will play Spotswood in this Saturday’s qualifying final after a sensational 25-point win over Altona in the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
With a double chance on the line for both
Sunshine and Altona, the Kangaroos went into the game as underdogs
against the reigning premiers.
The teams first met in round nine, when the Vikings handed
Sunshine a 74-point thrashing. Sunshine won its next seven, before a
28-point loss to Spotswood in round 17.
DIVISION 1: Finals form guide
But Sunshine, still chasing its first senior premiership, was up for the task from the moment the siren sounded.
Kicking against the breeze in the opening term the Kangaroos signalled their intent with two of the three goals for the quarter.
Three goals to none with the wind in the second term gave Sunshine a 26-point lead at half-time.
But unsurprisingly, Altona did as Altona does, roaring back into the contest with a four-goal third term to cut the margin to 13 points.
It had been a low-scoring, intense game of football all afternoon
but this time Sunshine would not be denied. Four final term goals
allowed the Roos to skip away to a win and a double chance in the
process.
Patrick Wiggins booted three goals and Lucas Hill, Ben McInneny and Russell Douglas were terrific.
To top off a good day, Simon Wiggins and Mitch Hahn did not play, and both will line up against Spotswood.
Coach Brett Jacobs spoke of his satisfaction at what unfolded in
front of him. “We were delighted. We dug in, played really good footy,
put in a four-quarter effort and got the reward,” he said.
“We’re always confident in our ability and we learnt a thing or two the week before against Spotswood.
“We identified what we did wrong, had a light week on the track and the players were in a good place before the game.”
Particularly to Jacobs’ satisfaction was his side’s response when
challenged. “Altona is a champion side and we knew at some stage they
would come back,” he said. “I was really proud that they were able to
withstand that and have the maturity to steady. We scored goals when we
needed them most.”
As for the qualifying final, “we’re under no illusion whatsoever
about Spotswood,” Jacobs said. “They have a terrific finals history and
it’s going to be a tough ask.
“But we’re certainly playing to win and we’ll back ourselves in and play an attacking brand of footy.”
– dpaproth@mmpgroup.com.au
