Hoppers Crossing swept aside Spotswood in Sunday’s Western Football League division 1 elimination final to keep its hopes of back-to-back flags alive.
The Warriors were razor-sharp after quarter-time in restricting their opponents to a solitary major as they powered to a 59-point win at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval, 12.14 (86)-3.9 (27).
The result sets up a sudden-death semi-final against Yarraville-Seddon, which will be looking to bounce back from its qualifying final defeat to Caroline Springs.
Hoppers Crossing claimed last year’s premiership from fifth spot, and coach Jared Polec said his team was hitting form at the right time after finishing fourth.
The club suffered four defeats in the second half of the campaign – to Newport, Caroline Springs, Spotswood and Yarraville-Seddon – but showed in 2024 it can deliver when it matters most.
“I was very pleased (on Sunday). The guys battled hard and it all stemmed off that first quarter, where I think they got a bit of a run on and we were able to minimise that impact, and go the other way and attack their attack,” Polec said.
“It was a very pleasing result, and (for Spotswood) to have six scoring shots after quarter-time was a tremendous effort from all 18 players.
“I think the group’s starting to build belief. It stemmed off the loss to Spotswood in round 16. The training towards that week were some of the better training (sessions), and the guys have been building and that sense of belief is starting to grow.”
Inspirational skipper Liam McMahon produced a best-afield performance against the Woodsmen, continuing another outstanding season in which he has been named in his side’s best seven times from 16 games.
Ex-AFL player Jed Anderson, Josh Pickess, Bailey Young, Klyde Milroy and Anarkiikonda Van Wills were others who earned Polec’s praise.
Ryan Kitchen led the way in the forward half with four goals, while Tevyn Wanigasekera contributed three and Pickess two.
“He (McMahon) is just a true leader and it’s good that we have multiple leaders now,” Polec said.
“A lot of guys have senior finals experience and it definitely adds up. It’s been fantastic for our guys and our group.
“There are a few who are hitting really good form at the right time.”
Premiership coach Polec said he was expecting a physical encounter against Yarraville-Seddon on Sunday.
The two teams split their home-and-away meetings, but Polec said the Warriors were outclassed by the Eagles when they last met in round 17 as they went down by 26 points.
“They did a number on us last game we played. They came after us and I guess the question will be are our guys up for the challenge,” he said.
“I think they’ll be the heavy favourites going into this. We’ve got to (answer) their challenge and hopefully we come out on top.
“I think it’s going to be a close game and hard fought … It’s a good little rivalry we’re starting to build with each other and we’ll see which team comes out on top.”
