ROUND 15 REVIEW
Endeavour Hills 13.13 (91) def Heatherton 7.6 (48)
At three quarter time, Heatherton was in with a chance, trailing Endeavour Hills by 19 points, but with the Tunners set to come home with the aid of a strong wind.
However, the Falcons powered to a 43-point victory with seven final-quarter goals.
The Tunners managed just three majors for the term, two of which came in time on, by which stage an Endeavour Hills’ win was a certainty.
Nick Gay was sublime for the Falcons, willing and able to win the contested footy, but also doing damage on the run with his precise passing.
He topped off his performance with a couple of goals.
His teammate, Tom Gillies booted three majors, a feat matched by Heatherton midfielder Reagan Maddaford.
Callum Cusack was a strong contributor again for the defeated Tunners, winning numerous effective possessions and working hard in the ruck.
Interestingly, he found himself up against Daniel Morrison for much of the day, with the less athletic Falcon also performing well.
Ashwood 11.19 (85) def Black Rock 7.2 (44)
Boosted by the return of zippy forward Frank Martinicchio after a long absence, Ashwood brushed aside Black Rock by 41 points.
That margin failed to adequately reflect the Magpies’ dominance, with only inaccurate kicking for goal preventing a more substantial victory.
Ashwood finished with 30 scoring shots to the Jets’ nine.
Martinicchio finished in the best for the Magpies and managed three goals.
Dale Carroll was the other multiple goal scorer for the winning side, slotting five majors.
Ashwood’s Brett Figas inspired his team with a dominant performance, being named the Magpies’ best.
Black Rock’s coach Lachie Batt set the standard for his side as the defeated Jets’ top performer.
South Yarra 3.4 (22) def by Springvale Districts 19.22 (136)
Springvale Districts adapted easily to the tight confines of Fritsch Holzer Park, dishing out a 114-point hiding to home side South Yarra.
Twelve Demons got their names on the goal-kicking list, with Mitch Betson and Lachlan Morrey the most productive in that department.
That pair booted three majors apiece, whilst teammate and best on ground, Peter Heng, managed a couple of goals.
Springvale Districts raced to a 35-point quarter time lead and continued to build its advantage throughout the remainder of the game.
Eamon Hanney was the Yarras’ best for the second week running.
Hallam 5.4 (34) def by Hampton Park 14.7 (91)
Whilst Hampton Park comfortably accounted for Hallam, the Hawks deserve credit for keeping the margin to 57 points.
That doesn’t sound much of an accomplishment, but given the gulf in experience between these sides and the depth of the Redbacks’ list, a triple-figure margin seemed on the cards.
Rory McIvor booted three of the beaten Hawks’ five goals for the game.
Justin Hill continued his impressive start at Hampton Park, booting six goals and taking his tally to 10 majors in his two senior games since joining the Redbacks.
His teammate Nathan Carver booted four majors.
@Apaloczi
