Tara Murray
Hoppers Crossing’s remarkable turnaround has continued with the Warriors through to a Western Football League division 1 semi final.
After winning just two games last season and finishing bottom, the Warriors made massive improvements this season and managed to make finals.
On Sunday, they were impressive as they ended Altona’s season in an elimination final.
In tricky conditions, the Warriors led by 14 points at quarter time and increased it to 41 points at the main break.
When the Warriors kicked the first goal in the third quarter that was game over.
The Warriors were able to run away with a 15.14 (104)-3.7 (25) win.
Warriors president John Semertzidis was thrilled with the result.
“It was pretty impressive,” he said. “We were disappointed to start with as the reserves lost by four points.
“But the senior boys were ready to go and they jumped out of the blocks and they could not catch up.”
Semertzidis said it was a tricky wind which sort of went across the ground which slightly favoured one end of the ground.
He said they were able to really turn it on in the second quarter and left the Vikings on the back foot.
Riley Fisher and Ryan Kitchen kicked three goals each for the Warriors.
Riley Fisher, Jed Anderson and Kitchen were named their best.
Semertzidis, who was vice-president last season, said the committee would have loved to have doubled their wins from last season, but didn’t predict this much improvement.
He said last year was the year they needed to have looking back at it as it woke everyone up to where the club was at.
Semertzidis said things were already looking bright for the future.
“We signed our senior coach Jared Polec for two years and we’ve extended his contract for another two years,” he said.
“He has been banging down the door to recommit and we were more than happy to do that.”
“We’ve re-signed all bar two of our senior group for another two years as well.”
The Warriors immediate focus though is on Sunday as they face Yarraville Seddon in a knockout semi final.
The Eagles lost their qualifying final against Caroline Springs by one point. The Lakers face Werribee Districts for a spot in the grand final in the other semi final.
Semertzidis said it would be a good challenge this week at Yarraville Oval on Sunday.
Meanwhile in division 2, Wyndhamvale’s season has come to an end.
The Falcons faced Newport in a knockout semi final on Sunday.
The Panthers jumped out to an early lead and were able to stay in front all day, winning 11.10 (76)-6.7 (43).
Tyler Tessari, Liam Scarborough and James Tessari were named their best.
Daniel Smith kicked three goals in the loss.
The Panthers now face Sunshine in a preliminary final with Albion awaiting the winner in the grand final.
