Round 2 saw the A boys come up against 2011 premiers Waverley at the snake pit. After a narrow victory over new comers Mentone in Round 1, our boys had a point to prove in the first home game of the season. Waverley, coming off a one nil victory over Camberwell last week were hungry for a second win and looking to stamp an early dominance on the 2012 competition. Unable to match last week’s opening performance, the A Boys were on the back foot early under Waverley’s aggressive forward press. Seizing its opportunity in the opening minutes, the Waverley forward line capitalised on an Altona defensive error to open the scoring 1-0. The struggle continued for Altona as the young backline of Chris Coleman, Matt Briscoe, Jake McVean and Tim Russell (promoted after a strong PA performance last week) fought hard to deny the mounting pressure of the experienced and formidable Waverley attack. Altona began to settle as the defensive unit gained confidence and the more experienced Matt Higgins, Tyson Priddle and Steve Campbell managed to turn the game in Altona’s favour in the lead up to the break. Half time provided a chance for the A boys to gather themselves as coaches Ben Guy and Greg Drake called for composure and positivity going into the second half. The message seemed to hit home as a determined Altona side proceeded to take control of the game after the break. The composure required by the coaches at half time was certainly displayed by the Altona attack who restricted Waverley to their defensive half for extended periods, the tireless work of Pat Phillips, Jessie Gatt, and Canadian import Sukh “La La” Butter created opportunities but not the goal needed to level the game. Altona’s domination proven on the stats sheet as the A boys managed an incredible 21 circle penetrations to Waverley’s 6 in the 2nd half, the impressive numbers only trumped by the incredible performance of Altona stalwart Matt Higgins. Against the run of play a Waverley attack resulted in a scoring chance with a miraculous save on the line by Matt Briscoe denying Waverley a second goal as the boys rallied to stay in the game. Altona were unable to convert from corner opportunities in the second half and a frantic last ten minutes of the game tested players, coaches and spectators as chances went begging. At the final siren Altona suffered a narrow loss to a formidable opponent, Waverley 1, Altona nil.
A big thanks to GK Adam Barty who stepped in for the match due to several unavailabilites.
Best: Higgins, Campbell, Briscoe