WRFL: St Albans win first game on Good Friday against Hoppers Crossing
Despite missing three stars, which is its entire leadership group, St Albans stunned Hoppers Crossing on Good Friday behind a stand-in skipper’s dazzling display.
Western
Don't miss out on the headlines from Western. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Taking your opportunity has been St Albans theme of choice to start the season.
After two heavy losses against Altona and Spotswood, very few people expected them to challenge a Hoppers Crossing side who had cruised to wins in their first pair of games.
The Saints issues have only been compounded by the loss of star trio including captain Jack Sims, who is expected to return in the coming weeks, meanwhile vice-captains Tim Jenkins (out indefinitely) and Tom Stewart (broken leg) are both longer propositions.
Jenkins and Stewart could possibly both be “out for the season” according to new senior coach Zammy Muhtari.
Despite what they’ve been confronted with already, St Albans rallied to score its first win of the season on Good Friday, 9.11 (65) to 7.11 (53) over the Warriors.
“The belief in the group is massive,” Muhtari said.
“We told the boys they have an opportunity to shown what the future of our footy club is going to be about and we couldn’t be prouder of the response.
“They’re enjoying what they’re doing and they’ve been terrific to work with.”
Cooper Pepi, who has stepped into the role of co-captain alongside Stephen Heppel, in recent weeks finished with two goals in a best on ground display.
Bol Kolang was the only other multiple goalscorer under the Kings Park Reserve lights.
“Cooper is a player who has improved heaps,” Muhtari said.
“He has a fantastic ability to keep finding the footy despite his size.”
Pleasingly for Muhtaru off-season recruits Michael Ajaimy, Oskar Brown and Mason Dipetta, who was been named in St Albans best three weeks running, were among the better players.
Familiar faces Maksym Sosnowski and Mathew Pickering also performed strongly.
“All of our new guys have come in and slotted into their role,” Muhtari said.
“It’s good to get our first win especially in a cracking game for both sides. I think it was good for the league and both clubs.”
For Hoppers, Braden Ferrari, Jackson Viola, Jack Dorgan, Zach Vesty, Chase Guy and Liam McMahon were the better players.
Muhtari’s side will look to continue their winning run against Caroline Springs while Hoppers host local rivals Werribee Districts on Anzac Day.
The local footy teams to keep an eye on in 2025
From clubs with massive off-season recruiting drives to those who need to live up to the pressure, these are the local footy teams you need to keep an eye on in 2025.
Named: the biggest local footy recruits of 2025
From Melton to Mornington, Epping to East Brighton, local footy clubs have secured some elite talent. We’ve named the biggest moves of the summer here.