By Lance Jenkinson
Altona will rightfully take its place at the top of the Western Region Football League division 1 ladder entering the winter break.
The Vikings have been the most consistent team in a competition full of surprises.
Saade Ghazi’s side is as close to a sure bet as can be had in the top flight so far, having suffered one defeat in the opening seven rounds.
And that was by the barest of margins – a one-point loss to Werribee Districts in round two.
The Vikings are 6-1 and a game and percentage clear of the rest of the competition.
“We’re happy as a football club at the moment, but there’s a long way to go,” Ghazi said.
Altona had its second triple figure win of the season on Saturday.
After toughing out a 22-point half–time lead, the Vikings put the pedal to the metal with a 13-goal-to-two second half to win by an even 100 points.
While all the damage was done on the scoreboard in a ruthless second half, the Vikings set up their victory by keeping Sunshine at an arm’s length during a competitive first half.
“You’ve got to give credit to Sunshine in the first half because it was a tough game,” Ghazi said.
“I said to the boys, ‘You’ve got to be in the fight early and if you’re in it for long enough you should get out on the right side’ – and that’s what we did.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Sunshine vs Altona
Patrick Rose was at his commanding best inside forward 50 for Altona. The lively forward booted eight goals and was nearly impossible to contain.
“He came back to his best form,” Ghazi said. “He took some really good contested marks, led really well and kicked well.”
The Vikings’ defence held firm to keep the Roos to just six goals for the day.
Kevin Johnson was outstanding at full-back.
“Two years ago he was playing division 2 at Yarraville Seddon,” Ghazi said. “He’s become a premier defender in division 1.”
Jayden Post had a pearler at centre half-back and Tom Szanyi kept dangerous Roos small forward Daniel Castellano goalless. Lee Spiteri was impressive across half-back.
In attack, Elliot Cavallaro was well held for much of the day, but his quality shone through with four goals.
Omar Abou-Zeid contribued three goals in the runaway win.
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