SPOTSWOOD overcame a wintry blast and a bullish Albion to make it 10 straight wins in Western Region Football League division1 at a muddy JR Parsons Reserve on Saturday.
The Woodsmen laid the foundation for a 32-point win in the grand final rematch with a solid defence that permitted just five goals.
Dylan Ayton, the man Woodsmen player-coach Chris O’Keefe described as the general of the backline, was superb on the half-back flank, cutting off Cats’ forward thrusts and turning defence into attack.
Andrew Fowler played a similar game, earning player of the match honours for his pinpoint transfer of play out of the back half.
“He’s so good when he’s got the footy in his hand,” O’Keefe said. “He uses the ball so well.”
The Woodsmen’s statistician counted 65 stoppages
and O’Keefe especially relished the conditions to rack up a high possession count.
Half-forward/onballer Will Langlands was in his element and Jake Wilson played a blinder.
The versatile forward/defender robbed himself of a potential three votes with a 1.4 return in front of the big sticks, but his impact around the ground couldn’t be understated.
O’Keefe said he was pleased with the way his side adapted to the tricky conditions.
“We knew going by the conditions during the week that it was going to be a slog,” he said.
“We had to play territory-type football and did it well. We just didn’t take all our chances.”
Four flags in five years and a blistering perfect 10 to start the season has most other clubs in the competition in awe of the Woodsmen because the club at the base of the West Gate Bridge has not just clicked its fingers and become a powerhouse overnight.
Woodsmen premiership player Elliott Wood provided a great insight on the WRFL’s web TV program about the importance of the club’s junior program.
“Elliott and I agree on that; we’re so lucky to have such a great junior program in place,” O’Keefe said. “Without it we’d be in a lot of trouble.”
O’Keefe says he’s thankful to have such a strong and united leadership group, adding: “They know what needs to be done and it makes my job a whole lot easier”.
The Woodsmen have a big month of matches, starting with a visit by Deer Park on Saturday and followed by clashes with Sunshine Kangaroos, Port Melbourne Colts and Altona.
“We’re looking forward to the challenges,” O’Keefe said. “None of the next four are going to be easy.”
The Laverton Magpies hit a new low in division2 on Saturday when they were held scoreless by Wyndhamvale on their home track at Laverton Park in division2.
