Anthony Eames has lifted Altona’s professionalism since taking over as senior coach in 2009. 84459_03 Picture: MATHEW LYNN
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
THIS Saturday will be the biggest day in Altona Football Club’s history as its seniors play in their maiden division one grand final.
That in itself is a remarkable achievement for a club that has battled for success in the past, but if you are going to Saturday’s game and get there early enough, you could witness rare history.
The Vikings have qualified for all three grand finals and could sweep division one, which would be the first time any WRFL club has done so.
However Altona president Barrie Muschialli told Star his club will be firmly keeping a lid on it ahead of Saturday.
“It’s not bubbling over or anything like that, because that’s not what we’re about,” Muschialli said.
“We’re rapt to make it, but then we realise that it’s only half our aim. Making the grand final’s one thing, but winning them is another.”
In 2005 Altona won back-to-back division two premierships and was promoted into division one in 2006, but as most WRFL clubs do, the Vikings struggled with the transition.
“That’s been a battle because a couple of years back we got some dreadful hidings,” Muschialli said.
“It’s been a gigantic wrestle over a lot of years, really, and to have all three sides (in grand finals) is like a dream come true.”
Despite those “hidings” six years ago the Vikings managed to stay in division one, and since then have become a powerhouse.
Muschialli says the 2009 arrival of senior coach Anthony Eames has been a major factor in propelling Altona to its new-found ‘powerhouse’ status.
“Anthony’s rebuilt and taught the guys how to win (and) how to play,” Muschialli said.
“He’s coached them like he would a VFL side, and it was a lot harder for him in the first year or so.
“Now the guys have learnt how to play football at that top level, and they work their absolute butt off for each other.”
As important as Eames’ influence has been, Muschialli believes the re-establishment of the club’s under-18s program was vital in turning Altona’s fortunes around.
“For three years we didn’t have any under-18s,” he said.
“We knew that the only way to grow the club back to something with a bit of substance was through the 18s program.
“On Saturday (1 September) I think there were 13 ex-under-18 boys in our senior side and there were 15 in our seconds side.
“One thing I have no problem with saying is they’re collectively the best group of young men, anywhere.”
