Tara Murray
Finalists dominated the Western Region Football League division 1 team of the year.
The team included 19 players who played in finals, with Point Cook’s Nicholas Buykx, Sunshine’s Belal Abou-Eid and Brandon Lester the three exceptions.
Minor premiers Caroline Springs and grand finalists Altona each had six players named in the team.
Among those selected for the Lakers were some of their biggest names. Brian Lake was named at full back, while Mitchell Bongiovanni, Steven Kyriszis, Ryan Allan, Liam Read and Max Tessari were also named in the team.
Coach Brodie Holland was named coach of the year, for taking the side to their first division 1 finals series.
The Lakers were knocked out in the preliminary final by Werribee Districts.
Altona has played on four lines with Saad El-Hawli at half back, Joel Menadue at half forward, Elliott Cavallaro in the pocket, Josh Bench as a rover, while Ethan Taylor and Jack Norman were named on the bench.
Fellow grand finalists Werribee Districts have three players in the team. Gun midfielder Dillion Viojo-Rainbow and key forward duo Daniel Nielson and Trent Lee were recognised.
Hoppers Crossing’s Ashlin Brown, who has already been named the coaches most valuable player, was named captain of the team. Josh Pickess is the other Warrior in the team
Former AFL player Levi Greenwood was named as ruck rover in his first season with Deer Park, while Bailey Morrish rounds out the team.
The WRFL’s best and fairest night is being held next week.
