Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing’s stunning rise in the Western Football League division 1 competition has put the side into a preliminary final and dreaming of a grand final.
Last year’s wooden spooners, the Warriors are now the form team of the competition.
They’ve now won two finals and are now just one win off a grand final.
Warriors president John Semertzidis said they could have never imagined this at the start of the season.
“In my heart of hearts I thought we had a list that was capable of doing it,” he said. “To be fair though, after finishing bottom last year and winning two games, I thought it would take a bit longer than it has.
“To learn the style [coach] Jared [Polec] wanted us to play. We’ve connected at the right time of year and lots of teams are scared of us.”
On Sunday, the Warriors faced Yarraville Seddon in a knockout semi final.
The Warriors led at quarter time by 20 points before the Eagles reduced the margin to seven points at half time.
A six goal to nil third quarter broke open the game with the Warriors well and truly in control.
It would prove to be the difference with the Warriors winning 13.14 (92)-6.15 (51).
“They call the third quarter the premiership quarter and we stepped up,” Semertzidis said. “We were able to kick away.
“A lot of our lesser known players really stepped up on Sunday. We had a few quieter games from some of our stars.
“Others stood up around them.”
Mitchell Kunigiskis kicked five goals for the Warriors, while Jed Anderson and Riley Fisher kicked two goals each.
Semertzidis said Bailey Young, Harry Maguire and Kunigiskis were the three standouts in his eyes.
He said Ashlin Brown and Braden Ferrari also had good games.
The Warriors will now face Caroline Springs in the preliminary final this Saturday at Skinner Reserve.
The Lakers lost their semi final in extra time to Werribee Districts on Saturday.
Werribee Districts awaits the winner in the grand final.
Semertzidis said they continue to not have any expectations and have confidence their best form can get the job done. The Lakers have won both matches between the teams this season.
“We definitely didn’t have any expectations this season and it’s a big thing for the playing group,” Semertzidis said.
“They’re enjoying their football without any pressure and give it their best.
“Everyone is smiling off the ground and everyone is believing. I think it’ll be a good battle between us.”
