By Tara Murray
Point Cook Centrals have responded from a tough Western Football League division 1 off season, with an opening round win against Albion.
It was the off season the Sharks were after, but they were able to fight hard against the Cats in their return to the top flight on Saturday.
Sharks coach Dean Chambers said it hadn’t been the off season they were after.
“It was a pretty good effort after a tremulous start,” he said. “We lost our footy manager and lost a few key players.
“We’ve had to dig deep. We decided to go after good people over good footballers and we’ve cleared the deck.
“We’ll play the kids this season.”
Chambers said they lost nine or 10 players and were able to bring that many in to replace them.
He said there was some young talent among that group who would get their opportunities.
Chambers highlighted Noah Helu, who is still eligible to play under-18s, and Brady Crews as two who had stepped up in round one.
Kyan Upsall, another recruit, was best on ground in his club debut.
The Sharks faced a different challenge on Saturday, facing Albion which was one of three teams that was promoted in the off season.
Chambers said it was an up and down game.
“Full credit to Albion,” he said. “They have shown they will be competitive and it’s good for the competition.
“We were able to sneak out to a 25 point lead in the third quarter before we took the foot off the pedal.
“There were two goals in it at three quarter time. We were able to dig deep as both teams struggled with the sun.
“Both medicos had to do their jobs. It was reward for what has happened at the club since the end of 2024.”
Chambers said this season for the club was about preparing for the 2026 season.
There is no relegation this season meaning it is the perfect time to have a rebuild.
Chambers has already told the club that he won’t continue to coach next year.
“I wanted to give them time to find the right person for the job,” he said. “I’ve done it for four years and I don’t want to overstay my welcome.
“Sometimes you can get sick of the same voice. THis year is about setting up the place for 2026.”
One of those things Chambers is doing is helping to continue to build the connection between the senior players and junior players.
Every senior player has a junior player buddy, with the senior players at the junior jumper presentation day on Sunday.
In other division 1 matches, Werribee Districts beat Point Cook, 24.19 (163)-8.7 (55).
Daniel Nielson kicked 10 goals in a best on ground performance for the Tigers.
Hoppers Crossing started its title defence with a 13.6 (84)-7.10 (52) win against Altona.
Ryan Kitchen, who kicked four goals, was named the Warriors best.
In division 2, Wyndhamvale beat the Suns, while Tarneit was well beaten by Albanvale.
