Brad Murphy was among the best players for Hoppers Crossing in the club’s 44-point win over Sunshine. 86181_03 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
HOPPERS Crossing advanced to the WRFL division one semi finals with a convincing 44-point win over Sunshine on Sunday.
The Warriors led at every change in an entertaining and high-scoring game, but managed to break away from the Kangaroos with a five-goal to one third quarter after leading by just five points at halftime.
Kicking with a steady breeze in the final term, Sunshine battled hard, but couldn’t produce any scoreboard pressure as Hoppers Crossing added another four goals to knock the Kangaroos out of the premiership race.
After the game, Warriors coach David Mitchell said he was impressed with his side’s four-quarter performance.
“We ran hard, we tackled hard and in the end the pressure outstood Sunshine,” Mitchell said.
“That’s what got us over the line, as well as having 39 scoring shots, so that probably proved a point.”
Nine Warriors kicked goals, including five to Terry Knight, four for Kade Carey and two to Mitchell Merrifield, whose game received high praise from Mitchell.
“Mitch Merrifield was outstanding I thought, and we had a lot of guys that were up and about and when you do have 39 scoring shots, you’d like to think you’ve got a good, even spread,” Mitchell said.
“Overall, I was pleased with the whole group. There wasn’t a passenger today and that’s what stood out to me.”
Carl Flahavin was helped off the field late in the final term with what appeared to be an ankle injury, but Mitchell says he was confident his club had the depth to ensure they would be competitive in next week’s cut-throat semi final clash with the Port Melbourne Colts.
“We’ve got guys that are ready to walk into the team and give it their all,” Mitchell said.
“I think our run and carry was excellent today and we need to that again next week.”
The winner of this Sunday’s semi at Avalon Airport Oval will play the loser out of Altona and Spotswood for a spot in the grand final.
