Altona’s finals dream turned into a nightmare when it was thrashed 5-1 by Camberwell in the Premier League elimination final at the State Hockey Centre in Parkville on Sunday.
The heart-stopping last-gasp draw against Doncaster the previous week that secured the A’s’ first Premier League finals appearance since 2003 was just a memory as the side conceded five field goals, including three in the second half.
Camberwell got the jump on the A’s in the first half before Chris Coleman fired a drag flick past former Australian goalkeeper George Bazeley to equalise.
A successful penalty stroke gave the Wellers a 2-1 lead at half-time.
While Altona seemed right in the contest in the first half, the Wellers’ greater experience eventually held sway.
The A’s fans were out in force, supporting their young heroes, but it was to no avail.
Striker Chris Porter and goalkeeper Tom Pinnegar were solid for the A’s.
Canadian international Matthew Guest and captain Steve Campbell produced their usual dependable performances.
Patrick Phillips, Harry Dolenc and Jake Macvean were triers, while Chris Coleman complemented his goal with a number of tackles at the defensive end.
A’s coach Ben Guy said it was a sour ending to an important season in the progress of a number of youngsters on the team’s list.
“The scoreline doesn’t reflect the progress we’ve made this year, so it’s disappointing,” he said.
“However, that is a building block for a big preseason with a view to going further in 2015.
“Aside from two players over 30, we’re a young side with plenty of potential and upside.”
