Tara Murray
Spotswood got a confidence boosting win against the Point Cook Centrals in the Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday.
It had been a tough start for the Woodsmen without a win in the opening three rounds and they faced Point Cook Centrals, which was in a similar boat.
The Sharks led by 20 points at the last break as they searched for their first win at this level, but the Woodsmen found another level in the final quarter.
The Woodsmen kicked five goals to one in the final quarter, to come from behind and win 10.9 (69)-9.10 (64).
Woodsmen coach Tom German was relieved to have finally broken through for their first win of the season.
“It was good,” he said. “It was a wet day and there was a bit of a tussle throughout.
“We were down to no rotations in the last quarter and it set us back a little bit. The guys dug deep and stuck to our structures.
“To get the win was something that we really needed.”
German said after a strong pre-season the confidence had been zapped from the group after a couple of early losses.
Injuries also haven’t helped their cause.
The injury curse continued on Saturday, with five players suffering injuries.
“We had a 23rd man as well on Saturday,” German said. “About five minutes into the last quarter, we had no rotations.
“Hopefully we’ll get a few back this week.”
It was the experienced heads for the Woodsmen that stood up late when needed. Brandon Walshe kicked four goals, including three in the final quarter.
Skipper David Iaccarino also had a massive game in the middle.
At the other end of the scale, 17-year-old Isaac Moore gave them some really good ruck work.
With the injuries, it has forced the Woodsmen to blood their next generation.
German said that was something they had wanted to do.
“We’re fairly young across the board and we’re getting games into young guys,” he said.
“We had seven or eight under-21 and those guys are learning. They’re being picked on form, not just because they are young boys.
“They’ve put their hands up for selection.”
It was a good day for the Woodsmen with all three sides getting wins on Saturday. German said they were hoping this would give them confidence and lead to a few more wins.
The Woodsmen this week face the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, who are without a win so far.
German said they can’t take it easy against the Eagles.
“They are a good young side,” he said. “It’s a really even competition, you don’t have any easy games.”
On Saturday, the Eagles lost to Werribee Districts, 12.11 (83)-6.12 (48).
Altona continued its winning start to the season, beating Hoppers Crossing 13.8 (86)-8.3 (51)
In the other division 1 match, Point Cook beat Caroline Springs, 13.11 (89)-6.7 (43)..
