Altona looked to be on its way to an impressive win at half-time in its Western Region Football League division 1 clash with Hoppers Crossing on Saturday.
After falling 20 points behind midway through the second term, the Vikings kicked the final five goals of the half.
But the Warriors emerged from the break looking like a different team.
PICTURE GALLERY: Altona Vikings v Hoppers Crossing
Hoppers Crossing shut Altona down defensively after the main break, allowing it to score only a single goal.
There was no such trouble at the other end as Hoppers peppered the goals.
In rain and win, the Warriors appeared to be playing dry-weather football in booting eight second-half majors for a vital 15.14 (104)-
9.11 (65), 39-point win.
“It was a good contest and in the end, I think Hoppers just had the better of us in the last quarter,” Altona coach Josh Russo said.
“We probably didn’t follow the plan we had in place and in the end Hoppers capitalised and were able to get the job done.”
On what was a tough day for Altona, Russo led from the front and was a standout for the Vikings. Jordan Robbins worked hard and kicked two goals.
For the Warriors, Ryan Kitchen was outstanding, kicking four goals and winning a lot of important ball around the ground.
He was well supported by Ben Jago, Brydon Coles and Adam Poland, who kicked two goals each.
The result dropped Altona to sixth on the division 1 ladder with a 2-2 record.
In round 5, beginning this weekend, the Vikings meet Werribee Districts.
“We got beaten by a better side on the day,” Russo said. “We’re disappointed but we will now look to next week. From my understanding, Werribee are a good, quick side and like to move the ball. We’ll try to use our tackling and pressure to reduce that as much as possible.”
In other division 1 results, Deer Park got the better of Sunshine; Spotswood smashed Albion, St Albans proved too good for Yarraville-Seddon; and Werribee Districts and Port Melbourne served up a draw.
Liam Twomey
