Watsonia remain undefeated, double 2018 wins, after big NFL Division 2 win over Epping

A revived Watsonia has already doubled its wins from a horror 2018 with a big win over Epping keeping it undefeated in the opening fortnight of the NFL Division 2 season.

James Latross celebrates a goal.

After a horror 2018, Watsonia has started 2019 in scintillating form.

The Saints claimed just one win in NFL Division 2 last season but have already doubled that figure after a faultless opening fortnight.

Having avoided relegation as a result of an NFL restructure, an off-season revival led by new coach George Lattouf has sparked Watsonia to wins over St Mary’s and Epping.

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Inspired by a five-goal haul from Adrian Alfonsi, the Saints were never troubled by the Blues, winning 19.19 (133) to 9.5 (59).

Lattouf said his club was reaping the rewards of a strong pre-season.

“We’re a very young group, playing a good brand of footy,” he said.

Adrian Alfonsi in action during the Round 1 win over St Mary’s.

“Since I came on board we’ve had a great pre-season and it’s showing in our structures, fitness and self belief.

“There’s going to be ups and downs this season, but we’re on a journey.”

After following Lattouf from West Preston-Lakeside, Michael Perfetto was influential through the midfield and added two goals, while Sam Barnett was rock solid in defence and Kyle Wheatley added three majors.

After an inaccurate 2.9 first quarter, the Saints exploded in the second term, slamming on six goals to two before adding another eight in the third.

The Saints have two weeks off with the Easter break followed by a bye.

Lattouf knows his team will face tougher challenges as the season progresses.

Aydn Dani in action during the Round 1 win over St Mary’s.

“We’ve got some big teams coming up,” he said.

“We’ll enjoy the moment but there’s a lot of work to do … we’ll get back into training next week and do it all again.”

Elsewhere in the NFL, Heidelberg continued its undefeated start in Division 1 with a comfortable 66-point win over Hurstbridge but North Heidelberg was on the wrong side of a four-point thriller against Bundoora.

Last year’s Division 1 runner-up Macleod is still searching for its first win after falling to Montmorency by eight points.

Greensborough and Lower Plenty will wrap up Round 2 with a Good Friday clash at Greensborough War Memorial Park.

In Division 2, Diamond Creek was overrun by Whittlesea, while Banyule was too good for Eltham and in Division 3 West Heidelberg crushed Reservoir by 68 points.

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