Tara Murray
Spotswood had to dig deep to come away with the points against Altona in the Western Football League division 1 on Saturday.
The Woodsmen trailed by 10 points at half time to the Vikings and had work to do in the second half.
The challenge was made even more difficult with the Woodsmen suffering a number of injuries in the first half, leaving them without a bench.
They were able to find another level in the second half to come away with a 10.6 (66)-7.11 (53) win.
Playing coach Tom German said it was good to bounce back from a disappointing result the week before.
“It was good,” he said. “It’s a really even comp and games are going to be easy.
“We had a big week on the track and there were a few areas that we wanted to improve as we knew it would be tough opposition.”
German said the group was really challenged in the second half being down on rotations.
Skipper David Iaccarino, Harley Walshe, Ethan Bentley and Sam Raunik were all done for the game.
With those key players out the 18 left were able to get the job done. They were able to take the lead at three quarter time by two points before kicking three goals to one in the final quarter to seal the win.
Matthew Payne kicked three goals for the Woodsmen, while Sam Cross kicked two.
German said Spencer Meagher in the ruck was the standout,
“We’ve got a young crew coming through and they are still learning,” he said. “They continue to step up.”
For the Vikings, Mitchell Van Den Berg kicked three goals. Colby Redpath, Spencer Johnson and Luke Whatman were named their best.
The win moves the Woodmen to 2-1 and they sit in second place behind an undefeated Werribee Districts.
Hoppers Crossing is the only team without a win after the first three rounds.
The Woodsmen have a bye this week which German said was much needed with all their injuries.
In other matches, Yarraville Seddon lost to Point Cook Centrals in a thriller.
The Sharks were in front all day with the Eagles kicking six goals in the final term to give themselves a chance, before just falling short.
Parkside also fell just short of victory, losing to Caroline Springs.
The Lakers won, 13.10 (88)-11.6 (72).
In division 2, Newport and Laverton both had wins, while West Footscray, Braybrook and North Footscray all suffered losses.
