By Dejan Kalinic
SPOTSWOOD claimed a six-point win against reigning Western Region Football League (WRFL) premier Albion in a replay of last year’s Division One decider on Saturday.
The Woodsmen kicked four goals to one with the breeze in the third quarter before holding off their fast-finishing opponents to win, 12.14.86 to 12.8.80.
Last year’s premiers unfurled their flag, but made a slow start before kicking six goals in the final term.
Spotswood coach Chris O’Keefe said he was relieved his team held on to win.
“It was a terrific effort by the boys and great to get over the line,” O’Keefe said.
“We always knew they (Albion) would come back hard at us, but it was just really pleasing to see that we dug in and we were able to do enough to get across the line. It was great.”
Kicking with the breeze in the opening term, the Woodsmen were wasteful in front of goal and allowed the Cats to go into the first change with a surprise four-point lead.
The Cats opened up a 16-point gap in the second term but Spotswood pegged them back with a couple of late goals.
Last year’s runner-up dominated the third term and led by 20 points heading into the last quarter.
Albion managed to draw level in the final quarter but it was not enough to claim victory.
Cats coach Marcus Barclay said his team was the better side on the day, despite the fact it didn’t play its best football.
“I thought we were a bit undisciplined for our first hit out. Our last three practice games have been great but when the pressure went on in a round one game I just thought our discipline wasn’t quite there,” Barclay said.
“I thought we were probably the better team on the day, but just a few lapses in concentration here and there probably cost us in the end.”
Albion forward Shaydon Bloomfield, who kicked three goals, was placed on report and sent off for 15 minutes in the first term.
O’Keefe said his team’s third quarter was its best, while Barclay said the Cats allowed Spotswood to gain momentum.
“We sort of dropped off and, to their credit, they really came to play in that third quarter and I think we dropped the ball a couple of times,” Barclay said. “A couple of silly mistakes, a couple of 50m penalties and, as I said, just a little bit undisciplined that good sides like Spotswood capitalise on.”
Shane Frederickson, James Philpot and Clinton Foreman put in strong performances for the Cats, as did courageous vice-captain Matthew Davis.
