By CONNOR PAIN - Division 1 Reserves
HOPPERS Crossing overcame a half-time deficit to win its third consecutive Division 1 Reserves premiership, downing Altona 6.13. (49) to 5.5. (35).
The Warriors stunning run has been remarkable to witness, particularly this year as it appeared that competitors Altona and Sunshine had boosted their squads to compete and challenge them for the title.
Winning one flag is hard enough, so to win three consecutive flags is an outstanding achievement.
The win against Altona in the last match of 2017 was arguably the Warriors finest of the three-peat, as they didn’t finish on the top of the ladder this season like they had in the previous two, and they had lost to the same Altona side just two weeks ago.
The blustery conditions made for a tough match as reflected by the low scoring nature of the game. The Warriors got the jump early however as they dominated the scoring shots seven to one, but couldn’t convert their chances as they led by just 12-points going into the second term.
Altona hit back behind their stout defence as Hoppers Crossing were held scoreless in the term, the Vikings adding two goals to lead by three-points at the main break.
The roles were reversed after the restart as the Warriors showed the experience that comes with winning back-to-back flags. It was their turn to hold their opponents scoreless, but it was their nine scoring shots (two goals and seven behinds) that separated the two sides and created a margin that the Vikings just couldn’t peg back.
The sides exchanged goals in the final quarter as Hoppers Crossing held on for the 14-point win and were crowned 2017 champions.
Altona will rue their missed opportunity as they were arguably the better side over the course of the regular season, but couldn’t get across the line when the premiership was up for grabs.
The biggest questions heading into season 2018 will be if Hoppers Crossing can win a fourth flag in a row, or will the likes of Altona, Sunshine, Deer Park and the Werribee Districts finally get over the line and dethrone the three-time reigning premiers.
Last Modified on 18/09/2017 12:14