Spotswood trailed at every break before storming home to beat Albion by two points in a thrilling Western Region Football League division 1 finish at McLean Reserve on Saturday.
The Woodsmen have regained control of their season over the past fortnight, with commendable wins over tricky opponents, putting a howler against newly promoted Wyndhamvale three weeks ago behind them, and moving into the top five.
Facing a seven-point deficit at three-quarter time, the Woodsmen kicked four goals to three in the last quarter of Saturday’s clash to claim a fourth win in seven matches.
The Woodsmen leaders, player-coach Tom Langlands and captain Murray Boyd, came to the fore when the match was up for grabs, while James Beilby and Nick Ryan produced the goods in attack, with three goals apiece.
A week into June, Spotswood is still an unknown quantity. Perhaps Saturday’s tough trip to third-placed Werribee Districts will offer some insight into what to expect of the Woodsmen for the remainder of the season.
In division 2, North Footscray produced a bit of payback to Caroline Springs, winning the top of the table clash by nine points.
The Devils are slightly in front in the tight race for the minor premiership, leading Yarraville-Seddon on percentage and a game clear of Caroline Springs.
One of the feel-good stories of the year was West Footscray notching up its first win after the club found itself under threat in the off season. The Roosters beat Manor Lakes by 37 points at home at Shorten Reserve, and did the double on the day, with their reserves winning.
Roosters’ coach Shane Lucas took to social media to praise the people behind the scenes, who helped keep the club alive.
“I was more proud of our achievements yesterday when seeing the smiles and joy those two wins brought to these same people,” he said. “And knowing that their hard work hasn’t been in vain.”
In division 3, Newport Power had a solid 37-point win over Wyndham Suns, while Parkside hammered North Sunshine by 49 points.
