Tara Murray
A tilt at making finals is the focus for Altona’s two Hockey Victoria Premier League sides in the back half of the season.
In the middle of a competition wide break, the Seagulls have used the chance to regroup ahead of a big back end to the season.
The men’s side sits in fifth place, goal difference out of the top four, while the women’s side sits in ninth spot, two games outside the top four.
Seagulls president Alex Tyrrell said the women’s team was doing a really good job, with more teams to be relegated this season as part of a competition restructure happening this year.
“The women’s team is going quite well, it’s been a very close season,” he said.
“At the start of the season the women were in danger with the relegation zone, but they are doing quite well to stay out of that zone.
“They are pushing for finals. From where they were last season they are doing quite well.”
The men’s side, which made a preliminary final last year, is again in the mix to go deep in the season.
Tyrrell said the break in the season had come at a perfect time for them.
“The men’s side is doing pretty well as we expected,” he said. “We are pushing for the top four with a few big games to come.
“Nye Roberts and Cooper Burns have been away with the Australian under-21 team. Our goalkeeper Ben Hooppell has had an injury and missed a few games.”
The season has five rounds remaining.
Tyrrell said both teams would be aiming to push for finals.
“For the women the number one thing is to stay out of the relegation zone and then push for finals,” he said.
“The men will be pushing for the top four.”
The Seagulls this week face Hawthorn on Saturday at home. It will be a big occasion with the club hosting its Indigenous Round, having recently also hosted a Pride Round.
The club will wear a special jumper designed by Billy-Jay O’Toole, while having a smoking ceremony and welcome to country ceremony.
Tyrrell said in the lead up to the event they held an educational Yarning Circle with local First Nations people.
“The players are leading the way,” he said of the day. “It should be quite a good day.”
