Altona made it back-to-back premierships in the Western Region Football League division 1 reserves.
The Vikings were in total control of the grand final from start to
finish in a 27-point win over Sunshine Kangaroos at Chirnside Park on
Saturday.
PICTURE GALLERY: Altona v Sunshine grand final
Club captain Josh Russo told the Weekly it was a signal of the strength in depth of the senior arm of his club.
He said reserves coach Aaron Freeland should be commended for
implementing a similar playing style to the one that head coach Anthony
Eames adopted at senior level, which made it a more seamless transition
for players to move up and down in the grades.
“That’s why we’ve been so consistent in both grades, having similar tactics and strategies to the club.”
The Vikings opened up an 18-point lead at quarter time and
stretched it to 29 by the game’s mid-point. The Kangaroos did well to
stem the bleeding, but never really threatened a comeback.
Meanwhile, the Vikings are searching for a new senior coach after Eames told the board that he is stepping down.
Eames led the club back to relevance in division 1 with his crowning glory being the 2012 premiership.
“He’s been everything you can expect and more for this club,” Russo said.
“You can’t underestimate how valuable he has been to the place.
“He’s created an environment that has been conducive to winning and a good culture.
“He’s left the club in a good way.”
Final score: Altona 14.12 (96) d Sunshine 11.3 (69)
The premiership team: Aaron Freeland (player-coach), Ben Fogarty (medallist), Ziad Kadour, Peter Wilson, Justin Russo, Mark Boote, Brad Comeadow, Bill El Souki, Joshua Saville, Glenn Jenkins, Nathan Leslie, Ryan Green, Steven Resic, Chris Dalli, William Ward, Kevin McDonald, Jamie Cook, Ben Davies, Allan Cassar, James Mead, Tim Andrews, Shaun Hagger, Wesley Whitfield, Brett Miller.
