By Lance Jenkinson
Spotswood was at its efficient best in front of goal in a 23-point win over Werribee Districts in the Western Region Football League division 1 elimination final at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday.
The Woodsmen’s straight shooting in the first and fourth quarters proved the difference on a day when their opponents had the lion’s share of scoring shots.
The Woodsmen kicked five goals straight in the first quarter to give their day the kick-start it needed and finished the game strongly with seven goals straight in the final term.
Jordan Boyd led the way with three goals, while Tom Langlands, Gareth Newton, David Iaccarino, Matthew Rix and Jordan Dimkovski kicked two each.
Spotswood has proven to be Werribee Districts bogey team in 2018 – The Woodsmen won all three meetings between the sides this season.
The latest has booked the Woodsmen’s ticket to a semi-final with Hoppers Crossing at Avalon Airport Oval on Sunday.
Spotswood will have to turn the tables on Hoppers if it is to cause an upset though, having lost both encounters between the teams during the season.
After having the week’s rest as a reward for finishing on top, Altona will take its first steps in the 2018 finals this weekend.
The Vikings will square off with Deer Park in a semi-final at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday with the winner to move through to the grand final.
In division 2, Parkside ended North Footscray’s season with a 13-point semi-final win at Burnbank Oval.
Luke Buttigieg booted three goals in a best-on-ground display for the Magpies.
Parkside has set up a preliminary final with Point Cook at Whitten Oval on Saturday.
In division 3, Braybrook’s season has come to a close with a 58-point loss to Wyndham Suns at Dempster Park.
The Brookers were just a class below the top three for most of the season, but have built a strong foundation for the future under coach Jason Hamilton.
The Suns will move on to face Tarneit in the preliminary final, with Point Cook Centrals awaiting the winner in the grand final.
