By LIAM TWOMEY
ST ALBANS took a giant step towards booking its place in the Western Region Football League finals with a 38-point win against Hoppers Crossing on Saturday. Going into the match, the pair occupied fifth and sixth places on the ladder respectively, equal wins for the season.
However, it was the Saints which handled the big occasion better, streaking away to a 13-point lead at the first break.
With the pressure high all over the ground, there was no letting up throughout the next three quarters as the margin continued to grow.
Despite its season being on the line, Hoppers Crossing couldn’t muster any sort of a charge in the last quarter and failed to kick a goal as St Albans secured the all important win, 14.12 (96) to 8.10 (58).
“It was probably our biggest game for the season to see where we were going to end up and give us an opportunity to play finals, so it was great to see the boys play well,” St Albans coach Ian Denny said.
“We discussed it during the week and before the game and we just kept reminding them how important it was. They responded accordingly which was good.”
Imran Muftarov was a standout on the Saints’ forward line, booting three goals while Lachlan Baddeley finished with two.
Around the ground, there was no stopping Craig Brown who was named the club’s best player.
For Hoppers Crossing, Luke Wilson worked hard and finished with three goals on a difficult day for the Warriors.
The weekend’s result sees St Albans move a game clear of Hoppers Crossing in fifth place on the WRFL ladder with a 7-5 win/loss record for the season.
“The good thing for us is that our seconds are first or second on the ladder at the moment, so we have got some good depth,” Denny said.
“That provides you with a contest each week which is what we have been giving all year. If we can maintain our list and try to put a bit more pressure on those top teams going into finals.”
This week will see the Saints take on the ever-powerful Spotswood while Hoppers Crossing will look to get back on the winners’ list against Yarraville.
“We will get a few players back this week,” Denny said.
“We had a good opportunity against them (Spotswood) last time, but we lost a player and only had 17 on the ground for a period of time which killed our momentum.
“Hopefully, we can get off to a good start and put some pressure on them.”
