Yarraville Seddon makes stunning start to WFNL season

If rivals weren’t aware of Yarraville Seddon’s gun recruits, they are now after a dominant start to the season. See which off-season signings impressed across the WFNL opening round.

Brad Julier praised his side’s performance. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Yarraville Seddon went quietly about its recruiting in the off-season.

But the level of talent was there for all to see in a dominant 17.15 (117) to 6.9 (45) win over Caroline Springs to start the Western Football League Division 1 season.

Several signings made their debuts including Adam Petridis (North Footscray), Connor Dalgleish (Eaglehawk), Finely Neylan (Coolangatta Tweed), Lewis Stanton (Shepparton United) and Sam Azzi (North Albury).

Stanton, who arrived from the Goulburn Valley league, caught the eye with three goals to give a glimpse of what he’ll add to the Eagles’ line-up this season.

Coach Brad Julier said he was impressed with his first impression.

“He’s a small forward and someone we’re hoping can kick a few goals for us,” he said of Stanton.

“Like so many of the new guys, we had about eight or nine in compared to last year, it’s been about building chemistry with teammates and fitting into our system.

“Five guys made their debuts for our club which is a really exciting position for us to be in so early in the season.”

After holding a 21-point lead at the main break, the Eagles were able to break away with nine goals to one after halftime.

Lachlan Green finished with five majors while the competition’s reigning Rookie of the Year, Kobe Cikala, was named the best player on the ground.

Lachy Huell impressed in defence with Darcy Grieves and Zac Pritchard also among their better players.

Oscar Gordon in action for Yarraville Seddon. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“You could see the team starting to gel a lot more in the second half,” Julier said.

“Kobe picked up where he left off last year and Josh has really reinvented himself since going down back. I thought we were able to iron a few things out after the break.

“We were a bit scrappy in the first two quarters.”

Despite a convincing margin, Julier reaffirmed his belief the competition was going to be “tight every week”.

“You only need to be a little off your game and opposition teams will punish you,” he said.

In other games, Spotswood started its season with a 34-point win over Hoppers Crossing on the back of a seven-goal to one second quarter.

Sam Cross booted three goals for the Woodsmen while Matt Payne, Nick Graham and Grant Williams all impressed as Jed Anderson was named best afield in his Warriors debut.

Point Cook was able to hold off the promoted Parkside by 18 points in a low scoring contest with Shaun Wyatt best afield for the Bulldogs as Jock Coates kicked three on debut.

Reigning premier Werribee Districts came from behind at three-quarter-time to kick start its flag defence with a hard fought 13-point win over Point Cook Centrals.

Bailey Siwek was best afield as recruit Lucas Rocci marked his homecoming with two goals.