WHO is the best in the west? All will be revealed when Altona takes on Footscray in Hockey Victoria’s version of the “western derby” on Saturday.
For the first time, the two local clubs will square off in both the men’s and women’s state league 1 competitions.
Their rivalry is strong but until now has been confined to lower grade seniors and juniors.
The matches are sure to attract a big crowd, and despite Footscray starting slowly in the men’s state league 1, Altona co-coach Greg Drake expects a tough match, pointing to last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Toorak-East Malvern as an example of the importance of 70 quality minutes of hockey. “Despite their ladder position, we are not taking them lightly,” Drake said. “Saturday’s last-minute draw showed us what can happen in this competition in an instant. We’ll be focusing on executing our game plan for a full 70 minutes.”
The Bulldogs will offer a bit of an unknown quantity to the affair.
Head coach and one of the few familiar faces, Olympic gold medallist Travis Brooks has undertaken a mission to shape the Bulldogs’ future with young homegrown players.
In the women’s state league 1, both Altona and Footscray have four points from their opening four games and it’s a genuine even-money tussle.
Altona coach Marc Richardson said having the two clubs from the west in the top division was a boon for the sport in the west.
“It’s great for western suburbs hockey to have them up in the top league. We’re looking forward to Saturday’s challenge and hope the crowd will replicate a finals-like atmosphere.”
It’s Altona’s turn to host the double-header at JK Grant Reserve, with the men’s game at 2pm followed by the women at 3.30pm.
Men’s state league 1: TEM 2 Altona 2, Footscray 0 Waverley 7
Women’s state league 1: TEM 3 Altona 3, Footscray 3 Waverley 2
