Runaway leaders Hoppers Crossing and Deer Park will finish in the top two of the WRFL division 1 – that was decided a long way from the finish line.
Who claims the minor premiership from here though is anyone’s guess.
The benefit of finishing on top is a rest in week one of the finals. The top side has a direct passage to the grand final, while the second side has to negotiate an extra final with potential for a slip-up.
Percentage could be the factor determining which of these sides gets that week off. Hoppers Crossing is on top of the ladder, but only a game and 2.54 per cent ahead of Deer Park.
The equation is clouded further though because the Warriors still have a bye, while Deer Park has the game in hand.
This made the Warriors’ percentage-boosting 101-point win over Albion at Hogans Road Reserve on Saturday all the more important. That added percentage might well be enough to stave off the threat of Deer Park.
It also throws up another question: would Hoppers Crossing be too concerned if they finish second and have to play in week one of the finals?
If the Warriors finish on top, it would be a lengthy three weeks between their last home-and-away game and their first final, not the ideal way to build up momentum heading into September.
At least the Warriors are hitting their straps at the right time of the season. Steven Kretiuk’s team has rattled off five consecutive wins since a 70-point loss to Deer Park on the last Saturday in June.
Ryan Kitchen kicked five goals in the win over Albion and Matthew Young produced a best-on-ground performance, while reigning Priest Medal winner Wayde Skipper bobbed up for four goals.
The Warriors will round out the home-and-away campaign in a fierce local derby with Werribee Districts at Soldiers Reserve on Saturday.
Werribee Districts enter on the back of a 47-point thrashing from St Albans. The Tigers managed just three goals and any double chance hopes are now in jeopardy.
Wyndhamvale could be handed the wooden spoon as soon as Saturday. The Falcons lost to Altona by 95 points on Saturday and need to beat Deer Park in the penultimate round, otherwise it’s into the cellar for 2016.
In division 2, Manor Lakes’ back to back wins prevented it finishing bottom.
The Storm consigned West Footscray to the wooden spoon in a 93-point win and booked its finals place with an upset 15-point win over Yarraville-Seddon.
