WRFL 2019: Yarraville-Seddon, North Footscray, Parkside chase Division 2 flag
The Western Region Football League’s second tier had an issue two years ago. But that is all a distant memory as the contenders prepare for the 2019 campaign.
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The Western Region Football League’s second tier had an issue two years ago.
Just six teams featured in the competition after Glen Orden opted to spend a season in recess and Albanvale qualified for finals despite winning just five of 15 home-and-away fixtures.
All clubs faced each other three times during the regular rounds and some coaches understandably lamented a lack of competitiveness.
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But that is all a distant memory as the contenders prepare for the 2019 campaign.
Eight sides now compete in Division 2, including Yarraville-Seddon, which produced an undefeated 2018 before suffering a shock grand final loss to Point Cook.
2017 premiers North Footscray (Division 2) and Parkside (Division 3) will be looking to build on finals appearances last season, with the Devils making no secret of the fact they fell well short of expectations last year.
Wyndhamvale has been relegated from Division 1 and should be in flag calculations, while Manor Lakes, Newport and West Footscray are all improving.
Point Cook Centrals have also earned promotion from Division 3 after last season’s flag.
“We absolutely expect to be playing finals again this year,” North Footscray coach Jonathan Miller said.
“We think we’ve got the players and a structure in place that will take us there.
“But in saying that, we expect Division 2 to be probably the strongest it’s been since it’s been around.
“Having a look from West Footscray, Newport right through to Yarraville and Wyndhamvale, there are no easy games and I think it will be a cracking contest.”
Parkside impressed everyone on its way to last year’s preliminary final and knocked off the Devils in a major upset in the first week of finals.
But coach Chris Muratore is not expecting an easy ride in 2019 and said the challenge for his side was to back up last season’s success.
“The comp looks like there is no easy kills anymore,” Muratore said.
“In previous years you probably had two or three sides where you’d know you wouldn’t roll up and win, but you’d know you were probably going to win.
“This year it’s not happening, which is a strength of the comp.
“You can nearly win the flag or get relegated, it’s that close.
“Yarraville will obviously be the side to beat and Wyndhamvale are always going to be strong. North Footscray will want to get better and I think Manor Lakes is a side on the up.”
Yarraville-Seddon will meet Wyndhamvale in a blockbuster opening-round clash on Saturday.
Parkside will face Newport, North Footscray tackles Manor Lakes and West Footscray will lock horns with Point Cook Centrals.
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