Altona wins a thriller against Point Cook by five points

Altona escaped with a thrilling five-point win at the weekend but the finish wasn’t without controversy. See what happened.

You might struggle to find a stranger finish in local footy this year.

Altona prevailed 9.6 (60) to 8.7 (55) against Point Cook in the Western Region league thanks to a goal after the siren from Mitch Vandenberg.

He looked set to try and win the game from about 40m out before he was awarded a 50m penalty due to dissent.

Vandenberg lined up in the goalsquare and kicked truly.

In vision available online of Vandenberg’s match winner, Altona’s Will Taylor can be seen pointing towards Point Cook players indicating how close the were to the man on the mark.

Just minutes earlier, Point Cook had hit the front through Alex Grigg’s second goal of the day following a controversial holding free kick.

Altona coach Corey McCall said it was a “funny way” to finish the game.

Mitch Vandanberg in action for Altona. Picture: Local Legends Photography

“The important thing for us was to go there and get the four points,” he said.

“Point Cook have improved greatly, they’re experienced guys are really helping the younger guys out. I thought it was a game of two halves.

“I thought we managed to get on top in the first half and they had the better of it in the second despite us being in front for most of the day.

“We learnt some good lessons though, especially in those moments where Point Cook was coming. It was good some of our younger guys are learning how to deal with those situations.”

Vandenberg produced an impressive display for the Vikings to be named among his side’s better players while Cooper Atchison continued his impressive start to life at the club.

Connor Menadue proved to be a match winner inside forward 50 with three goals.

But there was strong praise for up and coming defender Josh Hindle who impressed in a big job on Point Cook forward Daniel Burton.

Altona coach Corey McCall. Picture: Local Legends Photography

“He was fantastic,” McCall said of the defender’s performance.

“Our back six is very different from last year’s premiership team, five guys who played aren’t with us anymore and Josh is one of those guys taking the opportunity.

“He’s played a bit of basketball and we thought with his leap, he would be a good match up for Burton who is a very good player.

“Our defence was super again.”

Altona will now turn their attention to Hoppers Crossing while Point Cook faces another huge test against Caroline Springs.