While the weekend belonged to the AFL, there were plenty of Brimbank-based clubs chasing grand final glory in the Western Region Football League this season. Star Weekly sports reporter Liam Twomey looks at how local teams faired and the youngsters who celebrated success.
Under 18 – Division 1
Spotswood 20.14 (134) defeated Deer Park 2.3 (15)
There is always plenty of talk about Deer Park’s recruiting to its senior team, but there is certainly some exciting talent on the way through the juniors. The Lions finished the home and away season in fourth spot on the ladder before a daring run through the finals. Deer Park defeated Hoppers Crossing by 12 points and Werribee Districts by seven points to qualify for the grand final. The toll of two hard-fought preliminaries proved too great, though, with the Lions coming up 119 points short of Spotswood. Zach Gervasoni and Nicholas Christofi were the only Deer Park players to hit the scoreboard.
Under 16A
St Bernard’s 10.20 (80) defeated Spotswood 9.7 (61)
On the scoreboard, it will go down as a 19-point win, but St Bernard’s performance against Spotswood was more dominant than that. Only inaccurate kicking prevented a huge margin. Controlling the middle, St Bernard’s had 30 scoring shots to 13, with 16 of the club’s behinds coming at one end of the ground. Thomas Sullivan navigated the tough conditions well, booting two goals to help the victory.
Under 16D
Albanvale 10.16 (76) defeated Wyndhamvale 9.5 (59)
With its senior side also tasting success, Albanvale added another premiership to its collection with a victory over Wyndhamvale. The Cobras controlled the game from the outset, with Jason Johns’ four goals being among many highlights. Also impressive for Albanvale were Marol Kuany and Deng Jar.
Under 13A
Williamstown Juniors 11.14 (80) defeated St Bernard’s 4.6 (30)
An explosive second half from Williamstown Juniors lifted them to a 50-point grand final victory against St Bernard’s. After going into half-time locked on 21 points each, the Seagulls flicked the switch, booting nine second-half goals to one to secure the win. Ethan Mantas and Liam Conway were both standouts for Williamstown.
Under 13B
Sunshine Heights 9.6 (60) defeated Point Cook 3.6 (24)
It was still anyone’s game going into the final quarter between Sunshine Heights and Point Cook. Holding a nine-point lead, the Dragons knew only their best would be good enough, and that’s exactly what they produced. Sunshine Heights put the clamps on Point Cook’s forwards, refusing to give up a goal in the final term. There were no such troubles at the other end, with the Dragons slamming on four majors to run away with a 36-point win.
Under 13C
Sunshine 15.14 (104) defeated PEGS Juniors 7.14 (56)
There was no stopping Atali Patrice and his Sunshine teammates from achieving grand final glory against PEGS Juniors. Patrice booted five goals, while Matthew Curran kicked three as the Kangaroos controlled the contest from start to finish on their way to a 48-point win.
Under 12A
Williamstown Juniors 12.13 (85) defeated Caroline Springs 2.1 (13)
Williamstown Juniors’ star Zachary Provest is a big-game player in the making. With his Seagulls teammates running rampant against Caroline Springs, Provest led from the front, booting a staggering nine goals, enough to get Williamstown a 72-point win.
Under 11A
St Bernard’s 8.5 (53) defeated Williamstown Juniors 2.2 (14)
After coming up short in the under 13A grand final, St Bernard’s had its revenge on Williamstown Juniors in this big win. Trailing by seven points at quarter-time, St Bernard’s called on all its fighting ability, storming home with eight goals across the next three quarters to seal the 39-point victory. Cooper Colson and Kristian Modica were among the standouts for St Bernard’s.
Under 11C
Sunshine Heights 10.11 (71) defeated Manor Lakes 4.5 (29)
There was no question that the Sunshine Heights players were as fired up as possible for their grand final against Manor Lakes. The Dragons marched to a 43-point lead by half-time on the back of brilliant efforts from Yusuf Kailie, Jerome Allen and Thomas Cumbo. That left plenty of time to enjoy the moment in the second half, with Sunshine Heights kicking another three goals.
