Massive results across the WFNL throughout the weekend

The decision the WFNL got right, the league’s hottest teams continue to fire, the huge gap in Division 2 and local footy’s drought to end? These are all the key WFNL talking points.

Lewis Tudor of Caroline Springs. Picture: George Sal

The Western Football Netball League is officially at the halfway point.

Here’s all the key talking points from the latest weekend of action.

THE DECISION LEAGUE OFFICIALS GOT RIGHT

Much has been unmade of the imbalance in the second tier but Division 1 footy is looking as competitive as it has it recent seasons. Compared to 2023, it feels like games have been much closer on a weekly basis. There has been a handful of games, with several decided by over 50 points, to the halfway point which have been one sided but for the most part the nine-team competition almost feels perfect. Point Cook Centrals sit bottom with a percentage of 72.37, but if not for a host of injuries, they’d probably be higher up the ladder. Newcomers Parkside have only won two games but has a respectable percentage of 95.73, a demonstration of just how competitive they’ve been.

The current top-five also features three sides who didn’t play finals footy last year, including Caroline Springs who shared the spoils with the reigning premiers. On any weekend, it feels like games could be going in any direction. It’s setting up an exciting run home.

WHAT A TURN AROUND

Hoppers Crossing lost its first four games under new coach Jared Polec, now the Warriors have won four in a row. And they’re arguably the most in-form team in Division 1. Polec’s side ran out 25-point winners against last year’s grand finalists Point Cook on Saturday. Young gun Sam Clifford produced arguably the best performance of his career with six goals — he only kicked seven for the entirtiety of the 2023 season — in a best on ground display to lead his side to a big win. The Warriors have now climbed to fourth on the ladder and are within touching distance of the top-three. Riley Fisher, Braden Ferrari, Jed Anderson, Corey Muscat and Mitchell Kunigiskis were also impressive.

Hoppers Crossing have turned their season around. Photo: Josh Chadwick.

THE WILD MONTH OF ALTONA

Two games ago, Altona sat at the bottom of the ladder. Now Travis Varcoe’s side would be playing finals footy if the season ended today. The Vikings have a 3-5 record at the halfway mark of the season after winning their last two games. The latest was a 22-point win over Point Cook Centrals, who now sit at the foot of the ladder. On the other end, injuries are continuing to wreak havoc with the Sharks as they slipped to a fifth straight loss.

ARE THE LAKERS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGER?

The Division 1 season had its first draw after Werribee Districts and Caroline Springs finished locked at 72-apiece. Caroline Springs could have won it if not for inaccurate goalkicking, 10.12. The result now poses the question whether the third placed Lakers are the biggest challenger to Districts, who are still yet to be beaten, this season. The reigning premier brushed Yarraville Seddon aside by over 50 points when they met earlier in the year. Among the better players on the day were Harrison White, Lachlan Rainbow, Mitch Bongiovanni and Ryan Allan.

Murray Boyd and Sunshine were too good for Wyndhamvale. Picture: Andy Brownbill

THE GAP WELL AND TRULY ON SHOW

Many had Albion and Sunshine as the best two teams in Division 2 before a ball was kicked this season and now it’s even clearer. The Kangaroos smacked the previously undefeated Wyndhamvale by 69 points as young gun Xavier Kardachi dominated. The rising star booted four goals in a best on ground display while Giuliano Giurleo and Nathan Carroll booted three goals each. Matthew Cravino, Kurtis Barnard, Taygen Dennison, Max Ronald Weise and Jordan Davis also impressed.

A TIGHT RACE FOR THE TOP-SIX

West Footscray, Braybrook and Albanvale look set to battle it out for the sixth and final finals place in the second half of the season. The Suns are currently in fifth place, a game clear, but on recent form should be too good for the side below them. On Saturday, all three of those sides recorded wins over opposition in the lower part of the ladder. Matthew Turcinovich of the Roosters kicked five goals to be among the impressive performers on the day. Meanwhile, Liam Montrose and Reece Field kicked seven each for Albanvale.

LOCAL FOOTY’S LONGEST DROUGHT TO END?

The Western Rams hold the longest losing streak in Victorian local footy and it could be set to end. After going down to Braybrook, the Rams will now be eyeing next Saturday’s clash against North Sunshine as arguably the best chance to win in a long time. Both sides are winless this season.