The west is about to take centre stage for an eight-day lacrosse extravaganza.
The men’s and women’s national championships, along with a rare three-Test women’s series between Australia and England, will feature on the synthetic pitches at Footscray Hockey Club in Yarraville, starting on Saturday.
“It’s a healthy time for lacrosse in the western suburbs at the moment,” Williamstown and Victoria goalkeeper Evan Willis told Star Weekly.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere down there.”
Much interest surrounds the Victorian men’s team, which could end Western Australia’s recent domination.
Willis believes the Big V is better placed than any time in the recent past to claim the title.
“There’s real talent in this team and if we’re going to do it, this is the year,” he said.
“[We have] home ground advantage, a group of guys who have known each other for a long time and two quality coaches … the makings are all there.
“We just have to put it together on the park.”
There is a real western suburbs flavour in both Victoria’s men’s and women’s teams.
There are 11 players from western clubs in the men’s side, including six from Footscray and five from state league champions Williamstown, as well as coach Max Madonia (Footscray) and assistant coach Damien Orr (Williamstown).
In the women’s side, 15 of the 18 players are from western clubs, including seven from Footscray, six from state league premiers Newport and two from Williamstown, with Newport coach Stacey Morlang in charge.
It accentuates the home-ground advantage the Victorians should enjoy.
“The home team has a big advantage from the get-go,” Willis said.
“It’s a good starting point – you get the crowd on your side – but it still doesn’t make or break the championship.”
Australia’s women’s team will battle England at 1.30pm on Friday and Saturday and at 12.30pm on Sunday.
It will pit two of the top-four teams in the world from the last world championships.
“It’s going to be huge,” Willis said.
“English lacrosse is very well funded and our women’s squad comes from a small pool of talent but are proven world-beaters.”
