Tara Murray
After more than 1000 days, Laverton is back on the winners list in the Western Region Football League division 3.
Having last won a game on August 3, 2019, the Magpies got to enjoy singing the song on Saturday night against North Sunshine.
The Magpies didn’t have it all their own way, trailing by 15 points at half time.
A seven goal to two first third quarter turned the game in the favour of the Magpies. They were able to finish it off, winning 14.8 (92)-9.14 (68).
Magpies coach Tony Jofre said it was an exciting day for the club. The match was the first one under lights at the club which had been recently installed, adding to the day.
“It was a fantastic day,” he said. “I was told it’s been 1008 days since the last win.
“It was a big day for us. The new lights as well and the women’s getting the win too.
“Both clubs are struggling clubs, but both played really well. It’s good to see local football up and going again.”
Jofre said the message at half time was to stick to what they knew they needed to do. He said they didn’t go away from what they had been working on.
“The message was just have fun and work on things we’ve been doing,” he said.
“We did adjust things, but it was about believing and supporting each other.”
Having hit the front at three quarter time, Jofre said the feeling was one of excitement.
The big crowd also helped them get over the line.
“The boys were able to finish it off in the final quarter,” he said. “There was a lot of support and those night matches work for local footy.
“To have a crowd like that after two years struggling, was massive for the club.”
Brent Taylor kicked four goals in the win, while Soni Rainbow kicked three goals.
Jofre said the whole team played well. He highlighted the games of Matthew Grigg, Taylor, Ryan Dorling and Travis Barlow.
Jofre, who is in his first season as senior coach at the club, said while they’ll enjoy the win they are focused on keeping on improving.
“We have structures in place and we’ll continue to take it week by week. The club wants to keep going in the right direction for the future.”
In other division 3 matches, Albanvale and Tarneit got wins.
In division 1, Altona bounced back with a massive win against Sunshine, Yarraville Seddon lost a close one to Hoppers Crossing and Spotswood was beaten by Caroline Springs.
