WRFL: Josh Pickess, Hoppers Crossing too good for Spotswood

Hoppers Crossing coach Steve Kretiuk has sung the praises of one of his star recruits hailing his record “breaking” ability as the Warriors scored a big win over Spotswood.

Josh Pickess is becoming one of the headline acts in Hoppers Crossing’s 2022 season.

The former Williamstown VFL midfielder showed just how good his best is in the Warriors come from behind 8.14 (62) to 9.5 (59) WRFL Division 1 win over Spotswood on Saturday.

Pickess has been named in the best three times this season including in Hoppers Crossing’s last two games.

Warriors coach Steve Kretiuk said the “tackling machine” was continuing to lead the way for his young teammates.

“He’s our best one percenter player,” he said.

“It seems like he is breaking records for that stat every week. It’s hard to find quality midfielders who want to work both ways and Josh is an example of a very good one.

“I’ve never seen anyone do it as well as him. His defensive mindset really helps to give us a nice balance in the middle of the ground.”

The Warriors sit third on the ladder. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Despite coming from 15 points down at three-quarter-time, Kretiuk admitted it had been a “frustrating” for his side before they were able to turn the game around.

Kretiuk moved Braden Ferrari behind the footy and Ashlin Brown onto the win in a bid to dig the Warriors out of a 31-point hole they found themselves in at halftime.

“It wasn’t just goalkicking (which was frustrating), it was everything,” Kretiuk said.

“We weren’t clean with the footy in the first half and made some crucial errors which they were able to capitalise on. We still made some mistakes in the second half but we were able to limit them.

“It wasn’t just a frustrating day for coaches but players as well. Guys who are usually so clean with the footy were making uncharacteristic mistakes as well.

“We spoke after the game and said it’s about doing that extra 10 to 15 minutes of work at training to improve on our skills.”

Hoppers Crossing overturned a 31-point halftime deficit. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Ezzat Haddara played one of his better games of the season according to Kretiuk as he finished with two goals.

“He’s a very good player when he’s on,” he said.

“He’s another of our young guys who are still finding their way in senior footy and it’s about Ezzat finding more consistency in his game which is what we’re starting to see.

“Chase Guy played another good game for us. We just know he’s going to bring the same energy and effort every week — he’s one guy you love to have in your team.”

Nic Poland continued his impressive season after returning from Point Cook ahead of 2022.

Kretiuk said he had become a “very important swing player” for the Warriors.

“He’s a dour defender who we can always trust,” he said.

“If someone is getting away, we know we can put Nic on them and have him do a job.”

Harley Armstrong-Weston and Nic Sing were also among Hoppers Crossing’s better players.

For Spotswood, Kyle Blake was the best player on the ground.

Hoppers Crossing will next face Caroline Springs, meanwhile, Spotswood will aim to bounce back against Deer Park.