WYNDHAMVALE’S STRONG START
By CONNOR PAIN
Wyndhamvale got its season off to the perfect start, knocking off last year’s Division 2 Grand Finalists, Yarraville Seddon Eagles by 13-points thanks to two final quarter goals.
The Falcons got off to a strong start, having had seven scoring shots in the first quarter, but rued their chances in front of goal, kicking just two goals and leading by eight points.
The 2018 runners up weren’t to be outdone however and hit back in the second, cutting the lead to three at the main break.
The home side came out firing in the third and looked to get on top, but conceded two late goals, cutting the margin to eight points heading into the final term.
Wyndhamvale did enough in the last quarter to hold onto their lead, running out winners in their first game in Division 2 after spending the past two seasons in Division 1.
The final score was 9.9. (63) to 7.8. (50).
Nathan Bisset and Corey Goforth starred for the home side, the latter kicking three while former AFL player Andrejs Everitt bagged two majors for the visitors in what was a disappointing start in their quest for the flag.
The Falcons will travel to face Manor Lakes in Round 2 while the Eagles will look to bounce back at home against the newly promoted Point Cook Centrals.
Jackson Menadue’s five goals helped the Centrals get off to a flying start, knocking off West Footscray 12.19. (91) to 8.4. (52).
Celebrating their flag unveiling in the best way possible, the Centrals were on top all day, the 49-point victory signalling to rest of the competition that they aren’t making up the numbers in 2019.
The visitors will face Newport this week in search of its first win.
North Footscray won an offensive explosion against Manor Lakes, both sides combining to kick 46 goals in the Round 1 match, with the Devils winning 25.15. (165) to 21.11. (137).
It was an incredibly attacking game, with 35 goals kicked in the first half.
The 28-point win was buoyed by Joel Richardson’s six majors in a best-on-ground performance, Manor Lakes’ Ty Priest kicked a game-high seven in the losing effort.
North Footscray will travel to face Parkside this week.
The Magpies got its season off to a flying start, knocking off Newport by 64-points at Langshaw Reserve.
Brent Kelly kicked seven goals, while Matthew Chen and Jesse Mclellan also played well for the visitors.