WFNL: Point Cook is fielding one of the WFNL’s youngest teams

Point Cook has one of the youngest lists in the Western Football Netball League this season. Coach Saade Ghazi opens up on guiding the club’s regeneration and the leaders playing an important role.

Point Cook had three debutants in the round 2 game against Newport.

Point Cook coach Saade Ghazi is taking a “patient” approach to his time with the Bulldogs.

The WFNL club has fielded one of the youngest teams in Division 1 this season and will face their biggest test yet on Good Friday when they welcome reigning premier Hoppers Crossing.

Ghazi fell heartbreaking short of getting his first win as coach of the Dogs after going down by five points against Newport.

“This is a long-term fix for us,” Ghazi said.

“We’re rebuilding the senior department. Good Friday is a good opportunity for our footy club to be in a showcase game.

“We had to make seven changes from round 1 to 2 which has meant there are opportunities.

“You can see we are improving with our style of play, which we worked on during a strong pre-season. We had 15 scoring shots in round one and that went up to 24 last week.”

With several key players missing the opening rounds of the season, Ghazi has turned to several of the up and coming stars in the under-18s.

Oscar May, Lucas Hayes and Mason Grant all debuted against Newport and are expected to hold their spot for Friday’s game.

“The more games we get into these guys, the better it’s going to be for the future,” he said.

“My philosophy is making sure they are ready and making sure they have earned the opportunity. There will be opportunities for others.

“We just need to be conscious that the time is right.”

Facing off against the Warriors, Ghazi was excited about the challenge.

“Our leaders have been fantastic this year — Nick Buykx, Braxton Simms and Paul Tsapatolis,” he said.

“The youth bring a lot of enthusiasm. They’ve got the speed and fitness.”

Friday’s game will get underway at 2.15pm at Saltwater Reserve.

Why ‘flexibility’ could be a huge factor for Altona in 2025

There was a clear difference between Altona’s first and second games of the season.

An ability to convert chances and to make the most of momentum when it was in the Vikings’ favour.

Travis Varcoe’s side held on for a 9.8 (62) to 8.12 (60) win over Parkside on Saturday night in a contest between two clubs who believe they can play finals footy this season.

Altona assistant coach Nathan Moon said the playing group “stood up when challenged”.

“It was about sticking to what we’ve done throughout pre-season,” he said.

“Our back six really stood up, we were able to nullify the influence of their forwards and everyone is aware of the quality they’ve got down there led by Tom Condon.

“Tane Roordink, Spencer Johnson and Cooper Atchison were real leaders in defence. Our mids worked back really well, Ethan Taylor had another really strong game.

“We’ve got a bit of flexibility on where we’re able to play guys this year.”

Across the ground, there were positives for Altona to build off.

Recruit Connor Bulley booted three goals. He joined the club in the off-season from Queensland.

“Really pleased for his, a real reward for effort,” Moon said.

“We feel we’ve got some match-ups up forward we can try and exploit forward of centre.

“We’re undersized in the ruck but Jye Formosa and Kai Coghlan compete every week which is all we ask.”

There was a bit of a surprise earlier in the day when Varcoe pulled on the boots in the reserves game, finishing with two goals.

Moon, who coaches the club’s development side, said it was a great experience for his young squad.

Varcoe had previously last played in 2023 with WFNL rivals Yarraville Seddon.

SPOTSWOOD’S NEW ERA THRIVES

Spotswood picked up its first win under new coach Steve O’Bryan with a comprehensive 106-point win over Point Cook Centrals. Sam Cross was a constant threat in front of goal with six majors while Connor Schibeci best afield. Hamish Thomson who joined from Newcastle City in the off-season impressed in his debut. The game saw ex-AFL umpire Razor Ray Chamberlain take control in the middle.

Sam Cross impressed with six goals.

HISTORY FOR NEWPORT

Ali Hamad’s Newport picked up the first Division 1 win in club history after prevailing by five points over Point Cook. New signing, Joel Freeman showed why he could be one of the league’s better forwards after booting seven goals in the historic result. Lukmain Haddara and Harrison Minett also impressed.

ALBION’S REVENGE AS RECRUIT STARS

In a replay of last year’s Division 2 decider, Albion picked up a 27-point win over Sunshine as new forward Daniel Rosenzweig lit up the contest. The ex-Point Cook Centrals player booted seven goals combined with Darcy McPherson’s four.

Rosenzweig was devastating with seven goals.

DISTRICTS RUCKMAN HITS THE SCOREBOARD

Werribee Districts ruckman Ben McMahon enjoyed a strong day in front of goal with three majors. He was best field as Districts overcame Yarraville Seddon by 22. Harrison White was impressive while Josh Mould and Jack Fletcher had their names among the better players.

PREMIERSHIP HEROES RETURN FOR HOPPERS

They were missing in the season opener against Altona but Hoppers Crossing was near full strength as it delivered a 45-point statement against Caroline Springs. Jed Anderson, Harry Maguire (five goals) and Josh Pickess all returned to the line-up but were outshone by Ryan Kitchen who finished with seven goals.