The penny has finally dropped for Albion in the Western Region Football League division 1.
The Cats endured a rough start to the season, but impressive wins over the past two weeks have seen them square the ledger at 3-3.
A fresh game plan under first-year player-coach Chris O’Keefe and the introduction of some new recruits could have been the reason for the Cats slow start.
“We had some new players into the team this year and they’re really starting to find their feet now,” Cats captain Josh Bench said.
“Everyone is finding their rhythm now and we’re starting to click as a unit.”
Albion backed up from its meritorious, three-game losing streak win over Altona a week earlier with a rock solid 40-point win over Wyndhamvale at Wyndhamvale South Oval on Saturday.
The Cats had their noses in front at half-time, but powered home with nine goals to five in the second half, including keeping the Falcons scoreless in the third quarter.
While the margin at the end of the game was comfortable, Albion still had to dig deep to break Wyndhamvale’s resolve.
“They definitely put up a good fight,” Bench said. “We had a few run ons, but I think we got a bit ahead of ourselves.
“They’re a team that I rate highly.”
Albion was certainly not lacking in firepower.
Sean Moyle (four goals), Paul Cutajar-Milosev (three), Kevin Upton (three) and Todd Finco (two) combined for 12 goals.
Moyle and Finco provided goals from the midfield, while Cutajar-Milosev and Upton were dangerous inside 50.
Moyle, a home-grown product, was superb with his work rate across the ground and scoreboard impact when forward.
“It was an unreal game by him,” Bench said.
“He plays on the wing and in the midfield, but he floats forward and kicks goals.
“It’s his first year back at the club for a couple of years and he hasn’t lost anything. We love having him back, he’s an absolute jet.”
O’Keefe was named best-on-ground for his ability to get his hands to the ball first at the stoppages.
The veteran is showing his new team why he was a dual Barry Priest Medal winner in his time with Spotswood.
“He had a huge impact today,” Bench said.
“He dominated through the midfield and had first hands on it all day.
“He gave our forwards first use and he was clean with his use.”
Albion will be gunning for three wins in a row when it hosts St Albans at JR Parsons Reserve on Saturday.
The Saints have endured their own struggles this season, but showed signs of life in a loss to ladder-leader Spotswood last start.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” Bench said.
“They’ve got a few big boys, but we’re looking forward to it already and we’ve already put today’s win in the past.”
