Tara Murray
It was a solid first up performance for Spotswood against Yarraville Seddon in the Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday.
The Woodsmen came away with a 20.13 (133)-6.7 (43) win as they controlled the game for the most part.
Coach Anthony Eames saying there were some good signs.
“It was good to be back out there, it’s been a long pre-season,” he said.
“The reserves and seniors had a pretty strong day and I thought the boys put their best foot forward most of the day.
“Yarraville Seddon had a crack and put in a solid effort.”
Eames said while happy to come away with the win there were still some areas they needed to work on.
He said their form through the practice matches and round one had continued to get better.
“Our practice form hadn’t been brilliant, but we had been getting better each week.
“We were a bit lazy at stages in the third… Patterns of play and looking to pull the trigger and a little bit with team ball movement.
“We got going again in the fourth.”
Steven O’Bryan kicked five goals in the win with Eames saying he provided a strong marking target.
Kyle Blake, who was named best on ground, played well down back before dominating in the ruck later in the game.
James Cleaver in his first game for the club continued his good pre-season form, while Sam Harvey was also good.
For the Eagles, Oscar Gordon, who kicked two goals, was named their best.
The Woodsmen who are normally in the mix come finals are hoping to be among the top teams again this season.
Eames said they hadn’t looked to recruit too many players as they again preferred to promote from within.
“We added four or five players and we normally find our best recruits are friends of friends,” he said. “That makes a big difference.
“We’ve lost Nick Graham and Joshua Norton but we feel like we have some young guys coming through who can step into those roles.
“Our junior program is strong and we want to continue to push them through.”
Eames said on paper it looked like it would be a really good season, with a number of sides pushing for finals.
The Woodsmen this week face St Albans for the first time since 2019, due to the pandemic.
“Hoppers, Altona, Deer Park, Werribee Districts and Caroline Springs are pushing up,” Eames said.
“We are still looking to be there. The competition is in pretty good knick.
“Depth at reserve level and injuries will play a strong role.”
In other round one results, Altona beat St Albans 14.8 (92)-4.8 (32) and Caroline Springs was too strong for Deer Park, 15.13 (103)-7.6 (48).
Hoppers Crossing was too good for Sunshine winning 19.16 (130)-8.11 (59), while Werribee Districts smashed Point Cook, 25.21 (171)-4.4 (28).
