The music has stopped and the lights have dimmed – the party is officially over for the Altona Roosters.
For the first time since 1991, the Roosters will be watching the Victorian Rugby League finals from the sidelines after bowing out of the first grade premiership chase with a 56-6 loss to Sunbury Tigers at Langama Park on Saturday.
Roosters president Brandon Taonoa was understandably deflated by the thought of his side not featuring in finals for the first time in 23 years. But he took his club hat off to acknowledge that its demise this season can be viewed as a step forward for the league.
For the first time in memory, the VRL’s top-flight was not dictated by one or two sides.
At the top of the league are several clubs with sustainable plans, the Roosters included.
Sunbury is the new power. The defending champion is still on course to achieve a repeat of last season’s success.
Casey Warriors have emerged from the shadows to be the biggest threat to the Tigers’ supremacy.
North West Wolves continue to threaten the leading clubs and Doveton Steelers are a surprise packet after a number of so-so years.
There were six genuine contenders for the four playoff positions. That can only be good for the game in a traditional AFL stronghold.
“It shows you the competition is getting stronger,” Taonoa said.
“Everyone wants to get that trophy. We’ve set the benchmark for the most premiership wins and that’s why everyone wants to knock off the Roosters.”
The Roosters are not about to dwell on this finals miss.
No doubt it hurts, but in hindsight it was inevitable that a year like this one would eventually come.
The Roosters have always promoted homegrown talent and never stood in the way of a player wanting to further his career at a higher level.
They have several under-age representative stars on the books at the Melbourne Storm, including under-20s Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Kurt Bernard and Tony Tumusa.
More than 30 Roosters players have worn the Victorian jersey this season.
Taonoa could not be any prouder of the young men representing his club at the higher level and warns it won’t be long before the Roosters are challenging for premierships.
“It’s disappointing to miss out on the finals, but we’re looking to the future,” Taonoa said.
“We’ve got that much depth, we’re looking forward to next year with all these young boys coming through. We’ll definitely give the comp a shake next year.”
The Roosters face Doveton in the final round of the season on Saturday.
