WRFL: Connor Menadue stars in Altona’s Division 1 premiership

Connor Menadue capped a perfect return to Altona with a best on ground display in the grand final with the coach revealing the impact he had on his brother.

Connor Menadue always wanted to come home to Altona.

Now it’s officially a perfect homecoming.

The two-club AFL player was named best afield as the Vikings stormed to the WRFL Division 1 premiership against Werribee Districts on Saturday.

He returned to his junior club at the start of the season after several years at the top level with Richmond and North Melbourne.

Menadue’s power through the middle of the ground was on display throughout the afternoon as he finished with two goals.

When he rested forward, he looked dangerous at every opportunity.

His second goal came after a brilliant contested mark among a large pack of players in the Altona goalsquare in the last quarter.

As the ball sailed over the goal umpires hat, he was swamped by teammates as the realisation the club was about to end it’s 10-year premiership drought set in.

“Very happy with the win, the club deserved it after the last couple of years,” he told WRFL media.

“I probably could have got some more money somewhere else and probably not have enjoyed it so much.

Menadue in action during the season. Photo: George Sal.

“I get to go training more and enjoy it more with my mates, my brother and now I get to give back to this club.

“I set myself up for this game, trying to have a good game and bring it home for the club.”

Menadue put together a brilliant return season for the Vikings kicking 32 goals in 15 matches while also being named in the best six times.

Altona coach Corey McCall had plenty of praise for his star midfielder.

“Connor was hyped up for a week,” he said.

“I told him he had to calm down a little bit. He’s obviously come back from playing AFL footy and he’s got some real confidence about his footy which is great.

“A lot of the other boys might have thought he was going a little bit too far with the confidence but I can understand it.

“Everyone is different with their approaches, some are quiet and some are extroverted.”

Connor Menadue walks off stage after winning the medal.

His return from the elite level also saw his brother Joel produce a career best season with 50 goals.

McCall said the pair had worked together to get the most out of their footy in 2022.

“I spoke to Connor for years before he actually came in 2022,” McCall said.

“We were just talking and keeping that dialogue up. He said he was coming back and wanted to play and he said he was taking his brother with him.

“He knew he had a lot of talent but needed a bit of a kick up the backside and took him out on runs and that.

“Joel’s been better for having his brother here.”