WRFL: Altona overcomes Werribee Districts behind Jack Norman’s best on ground display

Altona coach Corey McCall asked for his players to become the “hunter” as it made an early season statement against Werribee Districts.

Altona coach Corey McCall called for his players to embrace change and it worked wonders against Werribee Districts.

The Vikings mentor asked his players to become the “hunter instead of the hunted” as they ran out 13.18 (96) to 11.9 (75) winners away from home in WRFL Division 1 action.

With some key players still on the sidelines, McCall said he felt his side were the “underdogs” before had been bounced.

In an even clash, Altona was able to break the game open in the last term with five goals to two.

“For the last few years we’ve been the hunted and I thought it was different this week,” he said.

“Werribee is always a difficult place to go especially when they’re such a good side. I told our boys before the game we were the hunter this week and we had a great opportunity to make a bit of a statement.

“Our pressure was fantastic and it was able to keep us in the game for longer.

“We’ve had arm wrestles with Werribee before where the momentum shifts back and forth throughout the day and we were fortunate it turned our way this time.

“I thought it was a cracking game of footy.”

Connor Menadue finished with five goals for Altona. Picture: George Sal

The Menadue brothers, Connor and Joel, were again in the thick of the action as they kicked eight goals between them.

Connor finished with five and Joel three.

But best on ground honours belonged to Jack Norman, who made the move from Shepparton United in the off-season, in his first game for the club.

“I had actually been wrestling with the idea of playing him or not,” McCall said.

“He’s been coming back from a broken hand in pre-season and we did some match simulation at training the other night and after a few minutes I told him to get off the ground because he was playing.

“Jack did everything asked of him in terms of the running and he’s been a great recruit for us.

“He certainly brings a point of difference to our midfield.”

Joshua Bench played a huge game for Altona. Pic: George Sal

That point of difference has allowed players including Josh Bench, who finished with two goals, to thrive according to McCall.

The star midfielder was named in the best alongside Mitchell Van Den Berg (one goal), Ethan Taylor, Connor Menadue and Kelly Pickard.

“He got himself going really nicely on the weekend,” the Vikings coach said of Bench.

“With the balance we have in our midfield he’s able to have a greater impact on the game forward of centre.”

The Vikings will look to maintain their perfect start to the season when they travel to take on Spotswood in a night game on April 23.

Meanwhile, Districts will look to bounce back against fierce rivals Hoppers Crossing on Anzac Day.

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