Westbourne Grammarians have wasted no time marking out their territory in the Victorian Amateur Football Association’s division 4.
Three thumping wins to start the season have the Warriors perched on top of the ladder with a mindblowing percentage of 642.17 per cent.
In a first real test of the season, the Warriors continued on their merry way with a 66-point thrashing of local rival and finals contender Point Cook at the Westbourne School Ground on Saturday.
Warriors coach Roger Hand was impressed with his side’s adherence to game plans, structures and mindset when standards could have dropped after going into the game on the back of a ridiculously easy win over perennial struggler Chadstone.
“We talked about respecting the opposition but making sure we stay true to our beliefs and the style we want to play,” Hand told Star Weekly. “I think it’s hard when you’ve come off the games we’ve come off to be true to your standards … but the boys shifted the ball around, moved it the way we wanted to and just stuck to it.”
The Westbourne players knew they were in for a tough game early when an arm wrestle ensued in the opening quarter.
It was nothing less than what the Warriors expected against their local rivals.
“Against Point Cook, it’s always a good contest,” Hand said.
“No matter where we are on the ladder, the pressure in the game is always there.
“They came out pretty hard at us and I think we took a bit of time to steady.”
Westbourne flexed its muscles with an eight-goal-to-two second quarter.
A feature of the Warriors’ season has been their conversion in front of goal. Against Point Cook, they made the most of their chances with 10.4 at the half generating enough scoreboard pressure to leave Point Cook facing a 50-point deficit.
Adam Imber had a derby to remember, claiming best-on-ground honours for his work at half-back.
“He’s been playing midfield for us, but he’s one of those ball users who doesn’t miss a target,” Hand said.
Young guns Kieren Delaney and Daniel Stoios continued their impressive start to the season. Delaney has been on a tear in the midfield, while Stoios patrols the half-back line.
There are plenty of challenges ahead in the next four weeks for Westbourne.
Hand says the side is approaching the current block of matches as eight-point games.
“They are four or five sides that we see as being thereabouts – Point Cook, Box Hill North, North Brunswick, Eley Park and Mount Lilydale.
“Once we get to the bye in round seven, we’ll have a good idea of where we’re at.”
