Warriors cap sensational season as Division 4 champions

Posted on - Latest News, Featured, Division 4 Men's

By Gavin Southern

The 2016 season is done and dusted. Westbourne capped off a brilliant undefeated season to capture that elusive premiership as a champion team in a year that offered so much.

1st – Westbourne

Coach Roger Hand did not miss a beat this year, managing a mobile forward line, a fast-clean midfield and a tall defensive line. A team that constantly played for each other. Going undefeated throughout the year, with 10 of those being triple figured victories, complacency could have very well rung true as it did during 2015. But, the Warriors had definitely learnt from last year and took a massive step forward to attain the Holy Grail. Five players making Team of the Year (some disputing it should’ve been six) and Adam Imber taking the runners-up in the Division 4 B&F, things are looking rosy for Division 3.

Leading goal-kicker: Dale Collins 73 – Club B&F: Chris Hudson

2nd – Point Cook

The other team over the Westgate who dominated the year was Point Cook Bulldogs. Although these Bulldogs were unable to make the fairy-tale come true, they still won the hearts of many after a tremendous finals series. Losses to the Warriors, Sharks at home and Mt. Lilydale in four out of five rounds could have crippled them in June/July. But they stuck to their game plan and made the Rams pay for it to get to the Grand Final.

Leading goal-kicker: William Dawson 87 – Predicted B&F: Mason Kip

3rd – Eley Park Sharks

After so much expectation as an early pick to play in this year’s Grand Final, for the 2nd year running they were injury-plagued. Whilst these may seem excuses, they’re reasons. When they were at their best, they were incredibly hard to stop as they were probably one of the top teams in terms of grunt. A three-point loss, first week of the finals was gut-wrenching but, the score line of 9.13 was the concern. A team that boasted the VAFA’s B&F in Brent Christie and healthy players, the Sharks again will be one of the teams to beat next year.

Leading goal-kicker: Noel Bahnsen 34 – Predicted B&F: David Viola

4th – Mt. Lilydale 

My predicted “Dark Horse” for the year, didn’t disappoint, as they have truly improved from Club XVIII in just two years. The loss to Eley Park in Round 1 would have been an early wake-up call for the Rams as they then hit their straps and maintained 4th/5th throughout the year. Losses to Box Hill North and North Brunswick would’ve hurt but victories over Point Cook and Eley Park (twice – including the Semi-Final) certainly made up for an overall successful season.

Leading goal-kicker: Max Hampton 49 – Predicted B&F: Daniel Dimitriou

5th – Manningham 

For the second year running the Cobras beat all the sides below them and lost to the sides above them. Manningham would’ve been disappointed to miss out on finals, especially once they heard the finals were a top four scenario. The Cobras will look to end their “thereabouts” tag and start making a climb up the ladder. Their off-season will be critical.

Leading goal-kicker: Chris Jolly 45 – Club B&F: Nick Edwards

6th – North Brunswick

Probably the most inconsistent side of 2016 would have to be the North Brunswick Bulls. A side that lost to Box Hill North, yet have the capabilities of coming to within three goals of Westbourne. To finish sixth is normal but, they know within it should’ve been higher. 2017 sees the club change coaches, as they named former UHS-VU junior coach, Marcus Butera to the club. The world will be their oyster.

Leading goal-kicker: Patrick Notaro 57 – Club B&F: Tom Falconer

7th – Box Hill North 

Another side capable of anything was Box Hill North. Overall, numbers hurt them throughout the year, with 52 players getting a senior game, that’s too many if you want success. Wins against North Brunswick and Mt. Lilydale were certainly plusses but, splitting games against Masala broke their confidence a little. Coach Laurie Zerafa has hung up the whiteboard and a new coach looms for 2017. What he brings will determine the immediate future for the Demons.

Leading goal-kicker: Daniel Penny 34 – Club B&F: Tom Canny

8th – Masala 

Masala have improved each year since joining Division 4. From one win last year and now three wins this year, the club is definitely moving in the right direction. Whilst there were still blow-outs along the way, anybody could see they’ve got the beginnings of a game plan and better execution at home. To get a win against a “Non-Chadstone” side was a plus and to score 104 points against Point Cook, shows anything is possible. Together with “Spicy Footy” things are heating up down in Dandenong North for 2017.

Leading goal-kicker: Sam Freeman 39 – Club B&F: Nick Cunningham

9th – Chadstone 

The writing was definitely on the wall for the Chadstone Synners this year. In the last five years, the Synners have lost their President, all their Captains, Senior B&F’s and leading goal-kickers through retirement and/or other ventures. Failing to produce a win, yet the Reserves secured five victories is a story within itself. 2017 will shine a bright light as they have accepted the VAFA’s invitation to join the Club XVIII competition. Whilst this may reduce player numbers, it will bring a stronger chance of victory which is the stepping stone for all successful clubs. A tough decision to take step back to take two steps forward but, the right one.

Leading goal-kicker: David Fernandez 5 – Club B&F: David Fernandez