Hoppers Crossing proved no match for Spotswood in the Western Region Football League on Saturday.
Despite enduring a tough first quarter, the Woodsmen took control of the game for the rest of the afternoon, sprinting to a 94-point win: 24.18 (162) to 10.8 (68).
Spotswood booted nine goals in the second term followed by eight in the third term to blow the Warriors away.
PICTURE GALLERY: Spotswood v Hoppers Crossing
Jason Cloke was a standout for the Woodsmen, finishing with a game-high five goals. He was well supported by a host of goal kickers, 11 Spotswood players hitting the scoreboard with at least one major.
Outside the 50-metre arc, Justin Dorward and Matthew Fogarty were impressive for the Woodsmen.
The same level of consistency wasn’t there for Hoppers Crossing whose coach, Steve Kretiuk, paid credit to a strong Spotswood outfit.
“It was a tough day at the office and probably a bit of a reality check for us,” he said.
“In our eyes, they are the benchmark of the competition and have been for a long time. I said to the playing group at the end, where we are now and where they are, there is a fair gap between the two.
“We just need to make sure we keep working hard to try and get to that level.”
Spotswood is in third spot on the division 1 ladder with a 5-2 record.
The Woodsmen are half a game behind second-placed Werribee Districts, with Deer Park undefeated on top.
Hoppers Crossing is hanging on to fifth spot, a game clear of Altona in sixth.
In round eight this week, Spotswood will take on Werribee Districts, while Hoppers Crossing will meet Yarraville-Seddon.
“I went and watched Yarraville play against Albion and they’ve certainly got some quality players,” Kretiuk said.
“They move the ball well when they’re allowed to.
“I said to our group that we need to learn from what we didn’t do and try and fix that up for four quarters next week.
“If we have 22 players contributing, we’re going to be very competitive.”
