Westbourne Grammarians provided no surprises this time – just a typically dominant performance.
The Warriors have rightfully sealed promotion after a professional 31-point win over Point Cook in the VAFA division 4 second semi-final at St Bernard’s College on Saturday.
Mostly the same Warriors side that stumbled out of the finals in straight sets last season was not going to let lightning strike twice, opening up a commanding 25-point lead at quarter-time and never looking back.
Warriors playing assistant coach Justin Johns said the players knew what was at stake so came out firing.
“There were two prizes – a spot to book in the grand final and a spot to definitely go up to division 3,” he said.
“After last year’s disappointment, the boys really made a point that’s where they wanted to be – in division 3.
“I think our best footy is good enough to compete with most clubs at the next level. The boys are pretty excited to be going up a division, that’s for sure.”
Now it’s time for Westbourne coach Roger Hand to go to work.
Teams sealing promotion in week one of the VAFA finals are often found wanting in the grand final.
The Warriors have a chance to not only claim a premiership, but also go through the season undefeated.
With two weeks between the semi-final and the grand final, Hand will need to find a way to keep his players minds on the job and away from thoughts of next season’s division 3 challenges.
“While you’re getting promoted, it would be a bit hollow [to go up as runners up],” Johns said.
“We shift our focus straight away to the grand final and prepare as well.
“We’ll have a look and see who we’re up against … and then prepare accordingly.”
Westbourne’s victory over local rival Point Cook was driven by its hard running wingmen and half-backs.
Adam Imber was best-on-ground for his setting up of play off the half-back line.
Daniel Stoios and Adam Rompel were defensively stout and also used as attacking weapons out of the back half.
Chris Sneddon offered plenty of run and carry on the wing.
Key forwards Nick Schiano (four goals) and Chris Hudson (three) relished the waves of attack.
“We’ve got a lot of different avenues to goal now and don’t just rely on one person,” Johns said. “I think that’s probably our strength now.
“Our forward line is what most sides would find hard to match up on, but that comes on the back of the hard work of our defenders and running midfielders who get it inside 50.”
Point Cook will face Mount Lilydale in the preliminary final, with the winner to meet Westbourne Grammarians in the big one.
