Hoppers Crossing tuned up for the Western Region Football League division 1 finals with a big 107-point win over Wyndhamvale at Hogans Road Reserve on Saturday.
The Warriors took control of the Wyndham derby from the outset, kicking seven goals to nil in the opening term to lead by 46 points at quarter-time.
The margin blew out to a massive 108 by three-quarter time before Wyndhamvale showed some resistance in the last term.
Small forward Jordan Mead was dangerous for Hoppers Crossing with six goals, while big man Wayde Skipper kicked four. Adam Poland, Matthew Smith and Daniel Riosa were the standouts for the Warriors.
Hoppers Crossing went into the day hopeful of snatching third spot and a finals double chance, but the final round did not pan out the way it wanted.
Third-placed Sunshine Kangaroos upset Deer Park and did so by a comfortable 52 points.
Hoppers Crossing went into the round level on points with the Roos, but with 9.54 worse percentage. Not even the percentage-boosting win over Wyndhamvale was enough for the Warriors to bridge the gap.
Wyndhamvale ended a tough season with the wooden spoon.
In division 2, Manor Lakes went down to Albanvale by 17 points in a last round upset. The two sides will cross paths again in the elimination final this weekend.
In division 3, Tarneit had a resounding 117-point win over wooden spooners the Laverton Magpies at Wootten Road Reserve. Chris Benson and Aaron Molivas kicked five goals apiece for the Titans. The Titans will face Sunshine Heights in the elimination final.
Wyndham Suns had an off day against Sunshine Heights, losing by 10 points at Goddard Street Reserve. The Suns will face Parkside in a semi-final.
The senior game between Sanctuary Lakes and Braybrook had to be abandoned after an ugly incident in the third quarter at Featherbrook Reserve.
An ambulance was called to treat a Sharks player who needed urgent medical assistance after the incident.
Earlier in the day, the reserves game between the same two sides was abandoned after a separate incident.
In a media statement, Sanctuary Lakes president Gavin Young deplored the “cowardly acts of a minority” that ruined both games.
