The interleague break provided an opportunity for most players and coaches in the Western Region Football League division 1 to take a breather and reflect on the opening five weeks of the season. Trends have emerged for all clubs. Some will be jostling for finals positions and others may be looking at a relegation battle. Lance Jenkinson takes a look at how the top flight clubs are travelling.
Altona (first, 5-0) – Premiership threat: It was supposed to be a daunting opening five weeks for Altona. But the A’s have passed all the tests with flying colours. They are undefeated and genuine premiership contenders. Saade Ghazi’s team has already beaten both of last year’s grand finalists away from home.
Werribee Districts (second, 5-0) – Perfect start: You can only beat the teams that are put in front of you and that is exactly what Werribee Districts has done. Tougher tests await the Tigers, but their five-game win streak has been impressive. The Chris Gilham-coached Tigers are two games clear of the rest of the competition, along with Altona.
Deer Park (third, 3-2) – Trending up: Chasing his sixth flag in succession, Deer Park coach Marc Bullen flagged that this season’s premiership would be the toughest to obtain. That has proven the case so far as the Lions stuttered out of the blocks, losing two of their opening three games. But mammoth victories over Albion and Sunshine are positive signs.
Hoppers Crossing (fourth, 3-2) – Finals contender: Nobody knew what to expect from Hoppers Crossing after some key off season departures were compounded by a terrible pre-season injury toll. What we got from Steve Kretiuk’s men in the opening five rounds was an ultra-competitive side that will not back down from any challenge. Could have been 4-1 had it not been for a heartbreaking one-point loss to Werribee Districts before the break.
Spotswood (fifth, 3-2) – In the mix: A developing group that is supposed to be 12 to 24 months from premiership contention, but so far Spotswood has hardly put a foot wrong against the powerhouse sides. The Anthony Eames-coached Woodsmen have beaten both of last year’s grand finalists, Deer Park and Sunshine, and were pipped by a single point against Altona. Could be dangerous if they can reach the finals.
St Albans (sixth, 2-3) – Early letdown: Two wins from the opening five rounds is not what new coach Brad Murphy would have envisaged, but there was a lot of change at Kings Park Reserve. After an impressive showing in a 22-point loss to Altona last start, let’s wait to judge the Saints in three weeks’ time after they have played Deer Park, Spotswood and Sunshine.
Albion (seventh, 2-3) – Long way off: A rough start to the season for Albion was masked by the four points it received in the opening game when Caroline Springs exceeded the points cap. The Cats only victory on the park came against struggler Wyndhamvale, but the bonus four points has them with two wins and just a game and percentage outside the finals spots. Chris O’Keefe’s team will need to pick it up after the break, otherwise it will be on the receiving end of more big losses.
Caroline Springs (eighth, 1-4) – Time to deliver: After five long and painful weeks, Caroline Springs broke through for a win over Wyndhamvale before the break. Could have had two wins, but had to cough up the four points from their victory over Albion for exceeding the points cap. The Lakers are young and integrating some big recruits, but most supporters expected a better start and will be demanding more from their side from this week onwards.
Sunshine (ninth, 1-4) – One-hit wonders? Sunshine was so close to being premier last season, losing in the dying seconds of the grand final to Deer Park. Most expected the Kangaroos to be near the top of the ladder and challenging again this season, but they have endured a nightmare start. The Roos must start afresh after the break and show the league what they are capable of.
Wyndhamvale (10th, 0-5) – Cellar dwellers: The rebuilding Wyndhamvale has shown glimpses of good – but a quarter here and there is not going to get the Falcons singing the club song. They need some genuine four-quarter efforts to break through. The Falcons should be fired up for games against fellow Wyndham clubs Werribee Districts and Hoppers Crossing in the next two weeks.
