WRFL: Wyndhamvale beats Albion to secure finals spot

Wyndhamvale coach Luke Wenlock said he had “been waiting” for one of his players to deliver 30 minutes of footy which handed his side a place in the WRFL Division 2 finals series.

Wyndhamvale coach Luke Wenlock always knew Mathiang Kak was a special player.

Having previously mentored him at junior footy at Werribee Districts, Wenlock was well aware of the talent Kak possessed when he recruited him to the WRFL Division 2 club at the start of the season.

For 30 minutes on Saturday it all came together as Kak booted five last quarter goals to lift Wyndhamvale to a 15.15 (105) to 12.12 (84) win over Albion to book a finals berth.

Kak finished with six majors for the day in a magnificent display as the Falcons snuck into the top-four at Newport’s expense.

“I had been waiting for him to do that,” Wenlock said.

“I knew what Mat was about. He’s just himself fit now and at a point where he is able to impact a game for four quarters. It was brilliant to watch.

“We were down by a point at three-quarter-time and it was a pretty simple address really. I told the boys their destiny was in their own hands and they delivered.

“If they didn’t, it was mad Monday for the seniors. We actually kicked the first five goals of the game and then they pegged us back. It was a tight game all day.

“I couldn’t be happier with how the boys finished it off.”

Connor Yeoell of Wyndhamvale. Picture: George Sal.

Wyndhamvale supporters and officials were able to keep track of Newport’s game against Point Cook Centrals it was the radio broadcast’s match of the day.

Eventually the Sharks won by four points sparking jubilant celebrations in the visitors’ rooms at JR Parsons Reserve.

“People had it on everywhere throughout the game and were giving us updates,” Wenlock said.

“When we heard Newport were 20 points up at halftime we shut it down and didn’t want to hear about it until the end of the game. Our game actually finished a few minutes earlier then theirs so everyone was gathered around listening to it.

“Newport kicked a couple of goals late and it got a little tense, I’m not gonna lie.

“It was a great feeling when the final siren went — one of the better feelings I’ve had in footy.”

Wyndhamvale coach Luke Wenlock. Pic: George Sal

Mackenzie Parker capped off a “magnificent” home-and-away season to be named the best player on the ground for the Falcons in a performance which included a goal.

Jayme Gilmore impressed with four goals while Kyle Bistisi, Jordan Mould and Connor McIntosh also put in strong performances.

“It was actually had to do the votes,” Wenlock said.

“There was hardly a bad player on the ground for us.”

Wyndhamvale’s reserves and women’s team have also qualified for the grand final capping off a successful season for the Falcons.

All teams finished fourth on the ladder in their respective competitions.

“It was a very good weekend for our club,” Wenlock said.

“The women have improved a lot this year and deserve to be in the position they are.”

Wenlock’s side will now turn its attention to a knockout semi-final against North Footscray at Braybrook on Sunday afternoon.

The Devils will enter the finals series in mixed form having won just two of their past five games.

“They’ve had a few issues with injury but we know they’re a quality outfit,” Wenlock said.

“Batts (Devils coach David Battistella) is a smart operator and will have them really well drilled.

“We’ll have to be right near our best.”