WRFL scores: Archi Manton bags five goals for Yarraville-Seddon

The son of a former AFL defender was best afield as the Eagles claimed a rousing two-point win in WRFL Division 1.

Josh Wills was one of Yarraville-Seddon’s leading performers. Picture: Local Legends Photography

It was the sort of performance which can define a season.

Yarraville-Seddon trailed by 28 points, 37 points at 28 points at each break of its Western Region Football League Division 1 clash against Caroline Springs on Saturday.

The Eagles appeared gone at the final change despite having two more scores, with inaccuracy cruelling their ability to launch a fightback.

But the visitors produced a six-goal-to-one final term against all odds to score a rousing two-point victory, 11.13 (79) to 12.5 (77).

“The boys were really excited after the game. It gives them a bit of belief that they can fight the season out,” first-year coach Brad Julier said.

“I think we were in the game the whole way.

“We had more inside 50s and more scoring shots throughout the day, we just couldn’t kick straight.

“It was a pretty simple message at three-quarter-time – we’d had enough of the ball and just had to kick straight and we’d win the game.

“We managed to straighten up in the last quarter and got there in the end.”

The success left Yarraville-Seddon, which claimed the 2019 Division 2 flag, in eighth spot with a 3-6 record, two wins clear of last-placed Point Cook.

VFL-listed forward Archi Manton, the son of former AFL backman Glenn, was best afield.

He gave the Lakers’ defenders myriad headaches as he booted 5.7 in a dominant display, taking his season tally to 25 from eight games.

In-form forward Archi Manton during his days at Western Jets. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s just getting better and better each week,” Julier said.

“While it’s great for us, it’s inevitable we’ll probably lose him at some point back to Werribee.”

Kyle Blake, Daniel Pantelleresco, James Edmonds, Josh Wills and Jordan Robinson also produced noteworthy efforts.

Skipper Jesse Varsamakis (three goals) and dual best-and-fairest winner Brandon Lester also made their first appearances for 2021 in a boost.

“Both of them were sensational,” Julier said.

“To get your captain and vice-captain back in the same week for their first games of the year gave the guys a big lift.”

Julier said the Eagles were getting closer to fielding their best side after a horror run with injury.

He said Darcy Grieves and Jake King were among the young players who had taken their opportunity to cement themselves in the senior team.

“Selection is getting tougher with some of the kids,” Julier said.

“Guys are developing as well. Some of the young kids at the start, we weren’t sure how they’d go, but they’re really starting to hold their spot.”

Yarraville-Seddon will next tackle Deer Park away from home.