By Lance Jenkinson
Altona’s much-vaunted defence kept Deer Park to just eight goals in a 16-point victory in their Western Region Football League division 1 clash at John McLeod Reserve on Saturday.
The Vikings’ back six strangled the life out of an imposing Lions’ attack for the second time this season as they completed the double over the six-time defending champions.
Vikings coach Saade Ghazi was thrilled with his defensive unit which was undaunted by the big name Lions’ forwards.
“It was always going to be, have we got the right match-up or have we not?” Ghazi said.
“It’s very hard to match them all up because they’ve got some good players, but our defenders did some big jobs.”
Kelly Pickard had arguably the toughest task of the Altona defence standing next to the competition’s leading goalkicker Jase Perkins.
Pickard restricted Perkins, who has 63 goals for the season, to just two, down from an average of 4.8 per game.
The other key match-ups for the Vikings saw Shae Killey take on Michael James, Kevin Johnson on Jack Redpath and Jayden Post on Chris Stewart when he moved forward.
Joel Magnabosco’s drive out of defence was another significant factor in the Vikings win.
He was arguably the best-on-ground.
“I thought he was pretty good for us,” Ghazi said. “He’s our co-captain and a good leader.”
Altona made a flying start to the game, kicking 3.6 to nil with the wind in the opening quarter.
PHOTO GALLERY: Altona vs Deer Park
Where the Vikings won the match was against the breeze in the second and fourth quarters, where they managed to kick five goals – three in the second and two in the fourth.
It was a stark contrast to Deer Park’s inability to score into the breeze.
“It was bloody hard work scoring into the wind,” Ghazi said.
“We got five goals to their one and in hindsight that was the difference in the game.”
Altona forward Patrick Rose came up big for his side with a game-high three goals.
Two of Rose’s majors came into a tough wind.
“‘Rosey’ got two goals from 35 or 40 metres out,” Ghazi said.
“That’s like gold against the wind.”
Altona was close to full strength with Jordan Robbins, Lee Spiteri and Luke Goetz all returning for the Deer Park game.
Robbins and Spiteri were influential across the midfield, while Goetz stood up to imposing Deer Park ruck pairing Stewart and Troy Kelm.
Josh Rafferty was effective in a swingman role, playing forward and back.
The Vikings are a game clear of second-placed Spotswood, who thrashed Hoppers Crossing by 69 points at McLean Reserve.
Altona will host newly promoted Point Cook at J.K. Grant Reserve on Saturday.
In division 2, Parkside is making its move, leaping up to third with a 29-point win over Point Cook Centrals at Henry Turner Reserve.
Jesse McLellan, Jack Collard and Keelan Privitera jagged three goals each for the Magpies.
West Footscray completed the double over North Footscray, winning by 25 points under lights on Saturday night at Shorten Reserve. David Ismail kicked four goals for the Roosters.
Newport was no match for high flying Wyndhamvale, losing by 81 points at Langshaw Reserve.
In division 3, Laverton suffered a 67-point loss to Glen Orden at Laverton Park Reserve.
Braybrook played its first game under caretaker coach John Hughes and emerged with a 98-point win over North Sunshine.
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