Hoppers Crossing proved no match for Spotswood in their Western Region Football League division 1 clash on Saturday.
After a tough first quarter, the Woodsmen took control for the rest of the afternoon, cruising to a 94-point win, 24.18 (162) to 10.8 (68).
PICTURE GALLERY: Spotswood v Hoppers Crossing
Spotswood booted nine goals in the second term and eight in the third to blow the Warriors away.
Jason Cloke was a standout for the Woodsmen, finishing with a game-high five goals. He was supported by a host of goalkickers, 11 Spotswood players booting at least one major.
Outside the 50-metre arc, Justin Dorward and Matthew Fogarty were equally impressive for the Woodsmen and were named among their team’s best players.
The same level of consistency wasn’t there for Hoppers Crossing whose coach Steve Kretiuk paid credit to a strong Spotswood outfit.
“It was a tough day at the office and probably a bit of a reality check for us, too.
“They are the benchmark of the competition and have been for a long time.
“I said to the playing group, where we are now and where they are, there’s a fair gap between the two.
“We need to make sure we keep working hard to try and get to that level.”
Spotswood is third on the division 1 ladder with a 5-2 record. The Woodsmen are half a game behind second-placed Werribee Districts, while Deer Park remains undefeated in first position.
The Warriors are hanging on to fifth spot, one game clear of Altona in sixth.
In round eight this weekend, Spotswood will take on Werribee Districts while Hoppers Crossing will meet Yarraville Seddon.
“I watched Yarraville play against Albion and they’ve certainly got some quality players,” Kretiuk said.
“They move the ball well when they’re allowed to.
‘‘I said to our group that we need to make sure we learn from what we didn’t do, and try and fix that up for four quarters next week.
“If we have 22 players contributing, we’re going to be very competitive.”
