All the signs are pointing up for Altona in the Western Region Football League division 1.
If the trajectory continues for the Vikings, they will play finals footy in 2015 after missing out by a game and percentage last season.
“There are some factors that have led us in the right direction,” Vikings coach Josh Russo told Star Weekly ahead of next Saturday’s season-opening clash against Werribee Districts at Soldiers Reserve.
“We’ve done the work; we’ve had a good pre-season; the boys are a year older and a year stronger and, hopefully, I’m going to be a better coach second year in.
“The way we were playing at the back end of last year, it’s important we continue to build from that.”
A year ago, Altona was a club at the crossroads, financially uncertain and in danger of being sucked into the relegation mix.
The appointment of rookie coach Russo was a gamble that paid off. Russo delivered, putting together a competitive team on a tight budget and keeping the Vikings relevant in the finals.
The Vikings sat comfortably at the table among the second tier of clubs – those ranked fifth to eighth on the ladder and fighting for the last position in the finals.
Their impressive list of acquisitions this off-season could see them move beyond that and actually figure in finals.
Just who’s the biggest name to rejoin the club is debatable. On one hand, there’s former AFL player Jayden Post ready to relaunch his career at the Vikings after a year travelling. On the other, Travis Lunardi comes back after taking reality television show Big Brother by storm.
Russo doesn’t care who has the bigger profile, all he cares about is performances on-field and that both can seriously play.
Post will give the Vikings’ line-up a touch of the unpredictable in that he can slot into any key position.
“He’s got pure ability,” Russo said. “His experience and knowledge are priceless.”
Before Lunardi became a reality TV sensation, he was a top footballer, playing in an Altona premiership team and stepping up to the VFL. He played with Aberfeldie in the strong EDFL competition last season so is a blue-chip recruit.
“All I can ask from my players, whether it’s ‘Trav’ or anyone else, is commitment to training, practice match effort and that type of stuff,” Russo said.
“He’s been really good since he’s come in … the whole group has been really good.”
No less important for the Vikings are the acquisitions of wingman Tyler Healy and goal-sneak Cameron D’Altera. The competition for spots will be more cut-throat this season. “As a coach, you’d rather be able to pick 22 out of 30, rather than 22 out of 22,” Russo said.
Jordan Robbins has been appointed captain of Altona.
“He stood up when things weren’t really going our way as a football club last year,” Russo said.
The season kicked off on Good Friday, with Hoppers Crossing prevailing by 19 points over St Albans in the traditional opening match at Kings Park Reserve.
Click here for full match report
The remaining four matches of the opening round will be played on Saturday.
They will include the grand final re-match between Spotswood and Deer Park at John McLeod Oval.
WRFL opening round
Division 1
St Albans 9.8 (62) lt Hoppers Crossing 11.15 (81), Deer Park v Spotswood, Port Melbourne Colts v Albion, Werribee District v Altona
Division 2
Glenorden v Sunshine Heights, West Footscray v Caroline Springs, Wyndhamvale v Manor Lakes, Yarraville-Seddon v North Footscray
Division 3
Albanvale v Parkside, Braybrook v North Sunshine, Laverton Magpies v Tarneit, Sanctuary Lakes v Wyndham Suns
