By Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing is still yet to put it all together but continue to pile on the wins in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
Last season’s premiers have just one loss for the season so far and sit in second place having played everyone once.
President John Semertzidis said they were happy with how things were tracking along.
“To be fair, we’re not playing our best football,” he said. “We have a few injuries.
“We’re still getting over the line when it counts. The squad has been really good and there’s a few young players who are coming through and getting even better.
“It’s a good opportunity for some of the others to get a game.”
Semertzidis highlighted Nick Jones, Isaac Cohen, Rohan Matthews and Jacob Pritchard were four who had taken their opportunities.
On Saturday, the Warriors were able to get over the line against Parkside.
The Warriors led at each of the breaks with the margin just 17 points heading into the final quarter.
Eight final quarter goals broke the game open with the Warriors winning 16.15 (111)-6.11 (47).
Semertzidis said the scoreline didn’t really reflect the game.
“We were tested and were only eight or nine points in the last quarter at the eight minute mark,” he said.
“The last 15 minutes we blew the game apart in what had been a fairly tight contest. We had a three to four goal wind in the last quarter.
“Towards the end I think our desperation, and our quality players stepped up and were a bit more clean with the ball.”
Josh Pickess kicked three goals in a best on ground performance. Ryan Kitchen, Corey Muscat, Anarkiikonda Van Wills and Bailey Young kicked two goals each.
Semertzidis said the likes of Pickess, Muscat and Jason Pongracic stood up when needed. Muscat kicked the last two goals of the game.
He said they felt they were only going to get better as the season goes along which is a scary proposition for opposition sides.
“We are starting to get players back,” he said. “Zach Vesty returned in the reserves on the weekend and we’ve got a couple more coming back from injury.
“We were missing Mitchell Kunigiskis, Chase Guy, Riley Fisher, Riley Kitchen, it’s an extensive list.”
Semertzidis said there were no easy games and they couldn’t take their foot off the pedal.
He said the side was in a much better position than they were last season when they finished on eight and half wins for the regular season to sneak into finals.
They already have eight wins this season.
This Saturday they face Sunshine which upset Altona on the weekend.
In other results, Werribee Districts beat Albion, 18.15 (123)-10.11 (71). Harrison White kicked five goals in the best on ground performance.
The Tigers remain a game clear of the Warriors.
Point Cook Centrals lost to Newport, 12.17 (89)-.610 (46), while Point Cook lost to Yarraville Seddon, 13.14 (92)-7.10 (52).
