WEST Footscray confirmed its status as Western Region Football League (WRFL) Division Two premiership favourite with a 14-point win over Sunshine Heights on Saturday.
In the anticipated top-of-the-table clash, West Footscray overpowered a dangerous opponent in the second half after heading into the main change in arrears. The teams are expected to meet again in the final series with the early psychological edge and advantage.
West Footscray had to show plenty of fight to topple Sunshine Heights, which led by two points at half-time.
West Footscray hit the ground running in the first quarter and kicked 3.5 for the term, with a couple of chances missed from relatively gettable positions inside the forward 50 metres.
Sunshine Heights, however, made the most of its chances and snatched the lead and momentum with a 5.1 to 2.2 second term.
Michael Nicolaides, Khalad Hoblos and Nicholas Mallia were brilliant for the Heights, but were going to need more support if their side was to cause an upset.
When the game was up for grabs it was West Footscray players Steve Lane, Ziad Kadour and Lucas McGhie who stood tall.
Lane finished with four goals while both Kadour and McGhie kicked three in impressive performances. Mallia booted four goals for Sunshine Heights to be his team’s most dangerous forward.
In other games, Coburg Districts scored a 41-point triumph over Western Magpies. The Magpies put up a brave fight, led by Russell Garvey and Shon Tucker, but were eventually overrun by a slicker opponent.
Deer Park had a 20.13.133 to 12.7.79 victory over North Sunshine with Michael Di Pietro finishing with eight majors. Troy Stone booted seven goals for North Sunshine.
Wyndhamvale Falcons, after leading by 12 points at three-quarter time, beat Albanvale by a point.
North Footscray recorded a 14.19.103 to 12.5.77 win over Braybrook while Brunswick Power beat Gladstone Park by 54 points.
