By LIAM TWOMEY
ALTONA crashed out of the WRFL Division One finals after a 54-point thumping at the hands of Sunshine. The Vikings were never in the hunt, conceding eight goals in the first quarter as the margin raced to 43 at the break.
From there the damage only got worse as Sunshine continued to pile on the pressure while Altona looked increasingly out of sorts.
The 18.16 (124) to 10.10 (70) loss brings an end to the Vikings’ dream of making it back-to-back premiership wins.
“They (Sunshine) came out to play and wanted the footy, we didn’t,” Altona coach Anthony Eames said. “They clearly dominated stoppages and contested footy and at the end of the day that was where it was won. We were good in that area last week and terrible this week. To their credit they bounced back really strongly from the week prior.
“You plan for that sort of intensity from the opposition because it is a final. Sunshine was outstanding today. They are going in against a formidable opponent next week in Deer Park so that is certainly going to be one to watch with interest.”
In what was a tough day at the office, Anthony Chiu battled hard for Altona to be named the club’s best player while Aaron Freeland kicked four goals up forward.
After finishing the season in fourth overall, Eames felt the year had been an inconsistent one for his side.
“I would have thought it is a question mark,” he said. “At the end of the day we won a final, we finished in fourth spot. It was really inconsistent when you look at it all. That element is probably a little bit disappointing.”
Altona will now turn its attention to the club’s reserves side which is still in finals.
When asked if he would remain the Vikings’ senior coach next year, Eames said he would weigh up the decision in the coming weeks.
“We have still got our twos in so I haven’t even thought about it to be honest,” he said.
“There are still things that I have to talk about with my wife and there are obviously work commitments too. All that stuff needs to be taken into consideration.
“I need to weigh it up over the next couple of weeks to make sure I give the club enough time if they have to search for someone or if we are right to go again, start re-signing everybody.
“There is bit of work to do but it is important that I make the right decisions for everybody concerned.”
