New Altona coach Josh Russo says his side was lucky to get away with a win against Albion in the opening round of the Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday.
The Vikings kept the Cats goalless in the final term, coming from behind at three-quarter-time at Grant Reserve to post an eight-point, 13.12 (90) to 12.10 (82) win.
PICTURE GALLERY: Altona Vikings v Albion
Russo said it was a tough game that could have gone either way.
“Albion played really well … we were lucky,” he said. “We got away with a good start and thought we were on top. Then they took control and we were chasing. We got back into the game in the final quarter and started doing what we were in the first.”
Russo said the team’s defensive work earned his side the win.
“We capitalised on our chances in the last term, defended really well and cut out their attacking side of the game,” he said.
He said Luke Ryan, Daniel O’Leary and Ryan Green were among the Vikings’ best.
The Vikings this week face Spotswood, which opened the season with a win against Port Melbourne, 16.26 (122) to 9.5 (59).
For Spotswood, Dylan Callard kicked four goals and Justin Dorward three.
“Playing Spotswood in Spotswood is one of the ultimate challenges in the league. We are looking forward to it,” said Russo.
An eight-goal first term launched Sunshine on its way to a record 127-point win against Yarraville Seddon, 24.19 (163) to 5.6 (36).
Deer Park had an easy 15.13 (103) to 5.8 (38) win against St Albans in the opening match of the season on Friday night.
Werribee Districts won its first game back in the WRFL, beating Hoppers Crossing 14.23 (107) to 11.10 (76).
