BREAKING: Hoppers Crossing’s quest to defend its title has come to a sudden halt following an eight-point defeat against Yarraville-Seddon in the Western Football League Division 1 semi-final held on July 15, 2023, at Avalon Airport Oval.
The Warriors, who clinched the championship last year from a fifth-place finish, found themselves in a precarious position, trailing by 37 points at one stage in the second quarter. However, a remarkable turnaround saw them score the next seven goals, even taking a four-point lead with just four minutes remaining in the game.
In a dramatic finish, Yarraville-Seddon seized victory as Lachlan Green struck two critical goals, securing a 10.10 (70) to 9.8 (62) win. The heart-wrenching outcome leaves the Warriors and their supporters in shock.
President John Semertzidis addressed the media, attributing the loss to a sluggish start that hindered their performance. “The first quarter was an issue and cost us. This time last year, the ball was bouncing in our favour. This year, it was bouncing towards other teams,” he stated.
Semertzidis emphasized the disappointment felt by players, stating, “We were setting ourselves up for a good finals series. Jared’s message was clear that we lost it in the first quarter. You’ve got to fight for everything, and we just didn’t take the moments.”
Despite the setback, optimism remains for the future. Young talents such as Braden Ferrari and Josh Pickess, who scored four goals in the semi-final, are expected to return, alongside key players like Riley Fisher, who is anticipated to recover from injury.
Looking ahead, Semertzidis confirmed that the club plans to pursue a midfielder during the off-season and is focused on building a stronger team for next year. “We improved as a side holistically through the year. We also got to blood a few young guys, which is going to hold us better for next year,” he noted.
The Warriors’ performance this season showed significant growth, rising from just eight and a half wins last year to an impressive 13 victories. “With premiership coach Jared Polec locked in until the end of 2027, we’re committed to going bigger and better next year,” Semertzidis added.
As the team regroups for the off-season, the emotional toll of this unexpected defeat will serve as motivation. Fans and players alike are eager to see how Hoppers Crossing will bounce back in the upcoming season, with many looking forward to a strong pre-season that will make this loss feel like a distant memory.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Warriors’ preparations for the next season and their quest for redemption in the Western Football League.
