Tara Murray
Altona played the role of the hunter rather than the hunted against Werribee Districts and came out on top in the Western Region Football League division 1.
With a number of players missing through injuries and availability, the Vikings side wasn’t the strongest one they’re had on the park in recent years.
That mattered little, with the Vikings coming away with the hard fought win, 13.18 (96)-11.9 (74).
Vikings coach Corey McCall said like most games between the two sides it was a really great game of football.
“Last year they beat us by 10 points in the same sort of game, with us finishing well this time,” he said.
“We had some unavailability and injuries so it gave opportunity to some of the younger players. We could go in and be the hunter.
“It’s not something that we have done in recent times. We have great respect for Werribee Districts.”
McCall said the aim was to make sure they were in the game deep to give themselves the best opportunity.
The Vikings led at three quarter time, with the Tigers kicking the first goal of the last quarter to hit the front.
From there the Vikings took control.
“We were confident we could make some changes towards the back end,” he said.
“The momentum went our way in the fourth quarter. It’s hard as coaches to stop momentum when a team gets on top.
“We were rewarded for the effort on the scoreboard in the last quarter.”
The Menadue brothers, Connor and Joel, kicked eight goals between them. McCall said it was good to see them having an impact up forward, but didn’t want to rely on them for the bulk of the goals each week.
“Connor has a lot of experience,” he said. “Joel has been trying to break into the side the last couple of years.
“Joel has had a really strong preseason and I think having Connor there has helped with his professional background.
“Joel has got some reward for effort.”
McCall said Joel Menadue was one of a number of players who had got opportunities early in the season after strong pre-seasons. He said everyone was buying into the culture and the pride of representing Altona.
The Vikings sit 2-0 to start the season heading into the Easter bye.
McCall said the results were a mega tick, with a number of players set to return to the side in the coming weeks.
Thomas Szanyi, David Barnaby, Jaden Rice, Mitchell Turnbull and Jack Marlais are among those who will return in the next few weeks.
In other results, Spotswood made it two from two, with victory against St Albans.
The Woodsmen won 19.6 (120)-8.7 (55).
Yarraville Seddon suffered a second straight loss, losing to Caroline Springs, 26.22 (178)-4.7 (31).
Hoppers Crossing beat Point Cook and Deer Park easily accounted for Sunshine.
In division 2, Parkside, Glen Orden, Newport and PoInt Cook Centrals were the winners.
