WRFL: Hoppers Crossing overcomes Werribee Districts

Hoppers Crossing coach Steve Kretiuk has opened up on some of the key changes which have sparked a three-game winning run as the Warriors move into premiership contention.

Hoppers Crossing is looming as ominous opposition in the second half of the WRFL Division 1 season.

The Warriors have won three straight games since the Queen’s Birthday long weekend bye to hold the advantage in the race for the top three and double chance over Deer Park and Werribee Districts.

They accounted for Districts 10.14 (74) to 6.12 (48) to move two games clear of their local rivals.

A home game against the 8-4 Lions, who are one game back, is next.

And coach Steve Kretiuk has revealed a series of discussions during the week off have proven pivotal in recent weeks.

“In the first half of the year we were playing a style didn’t really suit us so we made some subtle changes,” he said.

“I won’t give too much away about what those were but it has been working well the last three weeks. We did play against some sides who are a lot lower on the ladder in the first two games but Saturday was a quality test against quality opposition.

Matthew Poland. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Werribee at Werribee is always tough and we’ve played in some thrilling games over the years. We’re pleased with the outcome but we won’t be taking any game lightly.

“I thought it was important for us to create that little bit of a buffer.”

The third placed Warriors entered the game with a “reshuffled” side with key personnel including Ashlin Brown missing.

Among the changes in recent weeks has been the shift of Ezzat Haddara to a permanent small forward role and he finished with three goals on Saturday.

He now has 11 goals in his last three outings.

“We had been rotating him in and out of the midfield, where he wants to play,” Kretiuk said.

“But we were lacking a small forward who was consistently hitting the scoreboard and we sat down with Ezzat and asked him to play that role. He has taken it on board and is playing some good footy.

“He wants more midfield minutes be he understands just how much he can impact games in this role.

“It’s fantastic for a young guy who to be so selfless.”

Lochlan McDonald. Picture: Andy Brownbill

David Barbieri was named best afield for Hoppers Crossing, his third straight mention among his side’s better players.

After being a mainstay in the Warriors’ backline for “eight or so years” he has been thrown into the middle of the ground to provide “better balance” to the midfield according to Kretiuk.

“He were probably lacking someone who had that real defensive mindset. That’s not to say the guys who were playing in there weren’t capable of doing it,” he said.

“He’s a real competitive beast who thrives on the defensive side of the game and ‘Barbs’ has allowed more freedom to guys including Josh Pickess.

“Chase Guy is another guy who brings the same sort of attitude. He might not look like a senior player with his size but he’s been fantastic for us throughout the season.”

Dave Barbieri has been in fine form for Hoppers Crossing. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Saturday’s game also saw Lukmain Haddard handed his senior debut under the 23rd player rule as the young gun finished the afternoon with a goal.

“He kicked a pretty important goal for us in the last quarter,” Kretiuk said.

“Werribee had all of the momentum at that stage so he showed great composure to go back and kick it. All the boys got around him and I think he enjoyed the game.

“Hopefully we can see him a couple of times later in the year and he can continue developing into a long-term senior player for our club.

“We’re really excited about what the future holds.”

Sean Gregory, Daniel Schibeci and Matt Dean all battled hard for Werribee Districts.

Hoppers Crossing will now turn its attention to a clash with Deer Park as Districts travel to take on Spotswood in a potentially season defining clash.