Harper Sercombe
Altona’s premiership defence is over in the Western Region Football League division 1, knocked out in the preliminary final.
The reigning premiers faced Point Cook in a preliminary final on the weekend, in what was coach Corey McCall’s final game at the helm.
The Bulldogs got off to a flying start against the Vikings on Saturday afternoon booting five unanswered first term goals.
The Vikings finally hit the scoreboard in the second term, out scoring the Bulldogs three goals to two. However, the Bulldogs were still able to take a 25 point lead into the main break.
The Bulldogs regained ascendancy in the third term but were inaccurate kicking 2.5, while the Vikings were kept to just the one behind, with the Bulldogs extending their lead to 41 points at the three quarter time siren.
In the last term the Vikings began to mount a comeback, booting five goals in the last. However, it was too little too late, with the Bulldogs winning by 22 points in the 11.11 (77)-8.7 (55) clash.
McCall said it would have been great to get a shot at the grand final and a shot at Werribee Districts.
“Reflecting on the season, I think it’s a positive for the football club… to be in a prelim final, as well as having probably the hardest draw in the competition,” he said.
“I think it’s fantastic, given invaluable experience for the young guys, whilst we’re disappointed, [but] you’ve got to celebrate the season that we’ve had.”
Although McCall won’t be there calling the shots at the Vikings in 2024, he remains bullish that the club can climb the mountain he ascended last season.
“Everything that was done was about sustained success in Altona,” he said.
“We didn’t go out and look for big money recruits, Altona’s success has come from promoting youngsters from the juniors and developing them.
“It’s all about growth and development and we took some great strides, I think we came good towards the pointy end of the season.
“All signs are very good for Altona for sustainability and for the next coach to mould it.”
Personally for McCall his last game as coach was an emotional one, from his short time at the club, two COVID-19 effected seasons and two full ones, he has built an everlasting connection at the Vikings.
“I couldn’t be happier as a coach to be able to coach a bunch of guys and at the end of it we’re giving it our all.
“It’s emotional but there’ll be a time for the goodbyes… I certainly won’t be a stranger at the Altona Football Club, it’s a great football club, gave me an opportunity to coach division 1 football and won a premiership and reach a prelim.”
