West Footscray put local rivals North Footscray firmly in its place in a comprehensive 44-point win at Hansen Reserve in division 2 of the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
The Roosters secured their double finals chance and maintained a significant wedge between the top two and the rest of the league.
The Devils appeared to have evolved into a serious player in the race for the flag after five consecutive wins, but this result shows they still have significant ground to make up on the Roosters and top side Wyndhamvale.
Roosters coach David Orchard told Star Weekly it was a gutsy performance from his side, which had its depth tested with a number of key players out of the side.
“A couple called in sick on Saturday morning and I had to pull a couple out of the twos,” he said.
“You can only play with what you have and we did that and came away with a win.
“We did a few things. We knew how they want to play and set up and we restricted that.”
The way the Roosters obtained their victory was almost a carbon copy of when the sides twice met earlier in the season. It was evenly matched until half-time before the Roosters flexed their muscle to run away with the win.
“It was sort of replicated from last time we played them,” Orchard said. “Up to half-time it was thereabouts and then after that, for a lack of a better term, we put the foot down and went away.”
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The Roosters produced 34 scoring shots to 20 and outgunned the home side nine goals to four after half-time.
Veteran Damian Yze is back to his brilliant best, booting seven goals to make it 18 in his last two.
His effectiveness has allowed the competition’s leading goalkicker, Munir El Houli the freedom to roam.
“The beauty of it is we can push Munir up into the midfield or across half back or wherever we need him,” Orchard said. “Munir is sort of a focal point and also a premier onballer playing at full forward.”
Daniel Mason and Nathan Burmeister executed shutdown roles to be among the Roosters best. Adam Magnabosco was dangerous with three goals, while Steven McAnulty and Rhys Kirk kicked two each.
For the Devils, Blake Pilkington was a clear standout, topping off his game with four goals to make it 10 in his last two against the Roosters.
The final round will determine who takes out the minor premiership.
Wyndhamvale, a game and small percentage clear of second, hosts North Footscray, while West Footscray entertains Yarraville-Seddon.
In division 1, Spotswood can snatch a finals double chance in the last round by beating Werribee Districts away at Soldiers Reserve.
The Woodsmen had a 20-point win over Sunshine Kangaroos at McLean Reserve on Saturday with Murray Boyd kicking three goals.
