WRFL: Werribee Districts score crucial Division 1 win over Altona

Werribee Districts coach Chris Gilham has hailed the unpredictable nature of his forward line while a star midfielder continued his sensational form against Altona.

The unpredictable nature of Werribee Districts forward line might be one of its greatest strengths.

A week after booting 10 goals against Point Cook, Trent Lee didn’t hit the scoreboard in the 12.13 (85) to 8.12 (60) win over Altona.

But it didn’t matter as four players kicked multiple goals including three majors from Andrew Panayi helped lead Districts to their fifth straight WRFL Division 1 win.

Districts coach Chris Gilham said it was important to have a group of forwards who could all pop up and have a big day on the scoreboard.

“We think that’s one of our strengths,” he said.

“Daniel Nielson kicks a couple, Sean Gregory was super. We’ve got six forwards in front of the ball who we think are capable of kicking multiples.

“We don’t rely on one or two to kick lots of goals.”

Andrew Panayi finished with three goals. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Dillon Viojo-Rainbow starred for the visitors in a best on ground display as he continued a sensational run of form.

It was the third time he was his side’s best in the last four games.

Chris Molivas, Sean Gregory, Gavin Donnon, Harry White and Panayi were also impressive for Districts.

“He‘s been super. His last five or six weeks after shifting back on ball have been great,” Gilham said.

“He rallies around the clearances. When he gets the ball and carries it forward you know we’re going forward 60 to 70m because he’s such a penetrating kick.

“That really stood out on a bigger ground yesterday because he was able to penetrate with his kicking and open it up for us.”

Werribee Districts’ Daniel Montalto. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Meanwhile in defence, Districts were able to keep Altona stars Connor Menadue and Elliott Cavallaro goalless which had been a strong focal point for Gilham’s side heading into the weekend.

Cavallaro and Menadue are both among the leading goalkickers in the WRFL with 33 and 26 majors respectively.

“They’re two guys who can hit the scoreboard heavily,” Gilham said,

“We’ve got a young backline with some developing key defenders who did a terrific job on some good players. They still had a little bit of the ball but it was really important we were able to keep them off the scoreboard.”

Werribee Districts coach Chris Gilham. Photo: George Sal

Saturday’s win saw Gilham’s side overturn a 21-point loss to the Vikings earlier in the season.

While they also had narrow losses to Deer Park and Hoppers Crossing.

“Now I just think we’re benefiting from being better for longer,” Gilham said.

“When we lost those close games earlier in the season we would allow sides to get a bit of a run on and we haven’t done that recently.

“Our last five weeks have been really good and we’ve also been getting players back on the park.”

Luke Whatman, Sam Paton and Tom Szanyi were named among Altona’s best.

Werribee Districts next faces rivals Hoppers Crossing where a win would see it jump into the top three.

Altona will look to bounce back against Spotswood.