Tara Murray
There was plenty of emotion on Saturday as West Footscray returned to the winners list for the first time in 1311 days in the Western Region Football League.
After a tough couple of years, which ended in relegation to division 3, the Roosters were able to sing the song after beating Laverton on Saturday.
Roosters coach Troy Beamond said the result was massive for the club.
“It was a great result,” he said. “Obviously for a lot of guys, but more so the commitment and off field people and the supporters.
“There were plenty of emotions following the game. It was pretty good.”
The match wasn’t the prettiest and one for the neutral spectator with the conditions not the best.
Beamond said it turned out to be a really scrappy game of football.
“It was pretty breezy and slippery,” he said. “You get these sorts of games in round one, everyone comes out in round one and is trying to find their feet.”
The Roosters led for most of the match, but the Magpies kept coming at them. The Roosters eventually got the job done, 11.4 (70)-7.7 (49).
Beamond said he was proud of how the group kept fighting and didn’t let the Magpies get too close.
“Laverton has improved a lot,” he said. “We managed to kick out to a four-plus goal lead on a couple of occasions.
“We would have a couple of minutes of sloppiness and they would kick two goals and get back in the game.
“The last quarter we were able to get a lead and were able to hold on to it.”
Joshua Barker and Thomas Stelluto kicked three goals each for the Roosters.
Barker, who was acting captain, was named his side’s best along with ruck Nicholas Howard.
Beamond said the pleasing thing is they know they will only get better as the season goes on.
“There was a lot of calibre who weren’t there round one,” he said. “We had eight from our best side not playing, our captain and some key recruits.
“It gives us some confidence. We are only going to get better from there.”
Beamond admits there were some nerves in the last quarter, but it will take time to get used to being in winning situations.
“We need to start finding that winning mentality and get back the experience of winning.”
The Roosters this week face Sunshine Heights, which lost to Albanvale.
Beamond said it would be a good challenge to see where they are at.
For the Magpies, Nathan Gannon was named their best.
In division 1, Spotswood proved no match for Werribee Districts, losing 19.17 (131)-5.8 (38).
Reigning premiers Altona got its defence off to a win against Yarraville Seddon Eagles, winning 9.8 (62)-5.10 (40).
In division 2, Parkside smashed Braybrook and Wyndhamvale was too strong for North Footscray.
