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Division 1 – Round 14 Review
With Good Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
CHELTENHAM vs MORDIALLOC
It is often said that sometimes you have to go backwards before you can move forward.
And so it has been with Cheltenham, who have weathered a difficult start to the 2016 season as they continued to blood youngsters in to the senior side.
On Saturday their persistence with the ‘youth policy’ was handsomely rewarded as they produced arguably the boilover of the season in defeating the third-placed Mordialloc at Jack Barker Oval.
The Rosellas were switched on from the word go, and lead all day en route to their 8.15 (63) to 7.6 (48) triumph.
They didn’t allow the Bloods to get their usual game going through the midfield, while the backline, led superbly by Tim Bolger and Tom Nelson, held the visitors to just two goals in the first three quarters.
Matt Thorneycroft, recalled to Cheltenham’s senior team after being dropped the previous week, responded with a terrific performance in the ruck to earn the Blackchrome Sportswear Player of the Day award from the SFNL Radio team. His efforts in the air allowed teammates Jackson Barclay and James North to win plenty of footy around the ground.
To their credit, Mordi charged in the last quarter, booting five goals to get themselves back into contention, but a late major to youngster Jake Hibbert sealed the unlikeliest of victories for Cheltenham.
Simon Fragiacomo and Luke Barnhoorn led the resistance for Mordialloc.
Listen back to the SFNL Radio team’s call of the Cheltenham V Mordialloc game in the player below.
OAKLEIGH DISTRICT vs BENTLEIGH
Meanwhile Oakleigh District and Bentleigh fought out a cliff-hanger at Princes Highway Reserve, with the home side prevailing by the barest of margins, 8.12 (60) to 8.11 (59).
The Districts attacked hard with a strong breeze in the second term and peppered the goals, but they squandered several opportunities to put the game beyond the reach of the Demons. They registered a wasteful 4.8 for the term, and despite their dominance, led by only 23 points at the half.
But you can’t keep a good side down, and five unanswered goals in the third term had Bentleigh back in front by the final change.
Three straight goals in the last saw the Districts pinch back the lead, but Bentleigh attacked hard and looked like stealing victory in the frantic final minutes. However, superb defensive efforts by the home side saw them hold on.
Aaron Henneman and Brent Crawley proved the match-winners for Oakleigh District, while three goals from Paul Fermanis were also decisive.
Sam McGarry and Scott Mortimer were Bentleigh’s best.
ST KILDA CITY vs EAST BRIGHTON
Over at the Peanut Farm, East Brighton fell agonisingly short of its maiden victory of 2016, going down to St Kilda City 9.11 (65) to 9.6 (60).
The young Vampires’ recent improvement was on show again as they led at every change, however, the more experienced Saints outfit, led by Aaron Purvis and Aaron Green, came home with four last-quarter goals to steal a five-point win.
Andrew Jansen and Ryan Cosgrave were valuable contributors for the Vampires.
CLAYTON vs DINGLEY
A dominant second term has guided Dingley to victory in its much-anticipated clash with the resurgent Clayton at Meade Reserve.
The Dingoes booted six unanswered goals with the breeze to open up a 37-point half time lead, a buffer that ultimately proved the difference in their 11.14 (80) to 5.16 (46) triumph.
Earlier, the Clays had wasted their chance to put scoreboard pressure on the visitors, booting 1.7 with the wind in the opening stanza to lead by just four points at the first change.
It was never going to be enough, and Dingley certainly made them pay with Chris Horton-Milne, Jimmy Ball and Daniel Morris at the forefront.
The Dingoes also found multiple avenues to goal with eight individual goalkickers in the absence of the prolific Calhan McQueen.
Clayton were well served by Lee Boyle and Daniel Kirby.
ST PAULS vs EAST MALVERN
The final game saw East Malvern run over the top of an injury-hit St Pauls at the Kennel, 9.7 (61) to 7.11 (53).
Injuries to Dave Hutchinson, Jarryd Allan and Harley Ambrose left the Dogs with 19 players for much of the second half, but they dug deep to level the scores at the final change.
But the Panthers proved too strong in the last quarter, with Tremaine Tohiariki sealing the eight-point win with a ripping goal late in the game.
The Dowling boys, Jimmy and Lachie, were influential, as was Sam Lonie, while Shae Skipper emerged unscathed in his return from a knee reconstruction.
Pleasingly for the Dogs, it was two of their young stars in Carl Herbstreit and James Sziller that shone brightest.
Division 2 –Round 16 Review
With Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
Another round, another series of shock results in the Southern Football Netball League Division 2 competition.
SKYE 9.14 (68) def BLACK ROCK 6.7 (43)
The end result of this one was not quite as shocking but the Rockers certainly made the Bombers work hard for the four points. Kyle Gascoigne and Aaron Harper each bagged two majors for Skye while Nathan McConville was best on ground in a match which saw Black Rock lead by 19 points at quarter time before being reeled in by the Bombers. Skye kicked away in the second half but it wasn’t all easy, scoring four goals to two to run out 25-point victors.
KEYSBOROUGH 11.5 (71) def CAULFIELD 2.9 (21)
The Burra were back to their absolute best in their demolition job on top three hopeful Caulfield, which lost ground to Chelsea Heights with the loss. Davor Rajic kicked four goals while Bryce Sutton and Ryan Goodes starred in the win, which saw Keysborough lead right from the get go, stunning the Bears with its intensity towards the footy. The Burra kept the Bears to one goal in each half in a promising performance.
PORT MELBOURNE COLTS 17.19 (121) def HEATHERTON 13.11 (89)
Five multiple goalkickers, led by Jason Butty, spurred Port Melbourne to a 32-point victory against Heatherton in what was a hotly contested match up. Justin Taylor and Brad Sutcliffe were also prominent in the win. The Colts endured a highly competitive Tonners outfit and only led by one point at the half time break. Port Melbourne kicked into gear in the premiership quarter, piling on seven goals to three before another three goals in the final term secured the win.
SPRINGVALE DISTRICTS 6.9 (45) def HAMPTON 6.6 (42)
In a result that will likely lead to complications for the Hammers come finals time, the Districts produced one of their best efforts of the season to earn a three-point win. Peter Heng starred for Springvale in a best on ground performance while Matt Thompson finished with two majors. After a goalless first quarter, the Districts looked to be in trouble but they sprang into action in the second term, keeping Hampton goalless to lead by nine points at the main break. The game remained tight the remainder of the way with Springvale holding on for the win.
HIGHETT 12.8 (80) def by CHELSEA HEIGHTS 13.8 (86)
The Heighters have full control of their top two aspirations after gaining sole control of second place with a six-point defeat of the Dogs. Matthew Johansson was the star with six goals in a best on ground performance alongside Jarryd Uren in a match which saw Chelsea Heights hold off a fast finishing Highett outfit. The Heighters led by 31 points at half time following a five-goal second quarter but their lead was trimmed to 17 points at the final change before Highett nearly completed the comeback with five majors to three in the final term, but in the end Chelsea Heights held on for four points.
Division 3 – Round 15 Review
With Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
MOORABBIN 9.16 (70) def by Sandown 12.9 (81)
A 50-metre penalty to Moorabbin’s Andrew Weiss gave him a set shot from the goal line. He goaled and his second major in the space of a minute cut Sandown’s lead to five points.
That was at the 18-minute mark of the final term.
Two minutes earlier Sandown appeared in control when a Zain Machfud goal put it 17-points clear.
The Cobras had the benefit of a strong wind in the final term and seemed certain to record their first win of the season.
After a couple more tense minutes, Sandown’s Shane Cosstick wrapped his hands around the Sherrin for a mark in the Cobras’ forward arc.
His goal was the final score for the day and the Cobras completed an 11-point win.
Jordan Waite contributed three goals for the winner.
Jake D’Atri was selected as Sandown’s best player, but it was a spirited team effort.
DOVETON EAGLES 8.6 (54) def by MOUNT WAVERLEY 10.10 (70)
Doveton restricted Mount Waverley to a single goal in the first half, taking a
19-point lead by the long break.
Mount Waverley edged four points in front by three quarter time, keeping the Eagles scoreless in the third term.
The Eagles managed four goals in the final term, but the Mountain Lions again showed their premiership credentials with a six-goal term setting up a 16-point win.
James Gough was the only multiple goal scorer for the winner with five and Jarrod Wilkin was its best player.
LYNDALE 6.7 (43) def by ENDEAVOUR HILLS 9.7 (61)
With three goals from Daniel Morrison, and Byron Hoe leading the way as Endeavour Hills’ best player, the Falcons tightened their grip on fourth spot on the ladder.
Lyndale led by a point at quarter time, but Endeavour Hills was in front at the other breaks and won by three goals in a low-scoring contest.
Falcons’ coach, Steve Muscat was a guest on The 5th Quarter and was pleased with the way forwards Shane Peake and Morrison combined, feeling it was their best effort as a duo.
“We’ve been too Morrison conscious lately and we’ve tried to switch away from that and go to a spread of forwards,” Muscat said.
Another forward to receive mention from the coach is Shaun Richards, a 20-year old who has booted 26 goals in his first season of senior footy.
SOUTH YARRA 14.11 (95) def HALLAM 3.6 (24)
In a surprisingly lopsided game, South Yarra leapt into the five at the expense of opponent Hallam.
The Lions recorded a comprehensive 71-point win.
It was a good day for the Hanneys, with Eamon named South Yarra’s best, and Tom booting three goals. Cory Brady also managed three.
ASHWOOD 21.17 (143) def DANDENONG 7.7 (49)
Ashwood blasted Dandenong off the park with a 10 goal to one second term setting up a 73-point half time lead.
The Redlegs eventually lost by 94 points.
Five goals each to Paul Wineberg and Dale Carroll contributed to the Magpies’ dominance, and Mitch Saunders was again named their best player.
The victory enabled Ashwood to retain third place on the ladder.
LYNDHURST 13.11 (89) def CARRUM PATTERSON LAKES 5.10 (40)
Hamish Browning had a total of 11 goals in 13 games for Lyndhurst, but cut loose against Carrum Patterson Lakes with six majors.
He was only behind David Ford in Lightning’s list of best players.
Lightning beat CPL by 49 points.
Lyndhurst has won six of its 15 matches, an excellent effort in its first season.
Under 19 – Round 14 Review
With Alex Charles
@charlesy93
Conditions were perfect for football as all of the major favourites took wins with only one major scare for the round. Dingley had the bye and had to miss the action but there was plenty of good viewing as the top sides flexed their muscles.
St Pauls returned to form with a 77-point victory over Hallam. The Hawks were in a solid vein of form but were dismantled by the Bulldogs in convincing fashion. Having previously been on a winning streak, Hallam were never really in the contest as St Pauls registered eight goals during the third term to put the result to bed.
Ryan Kreymborg’s four goals were key and he had support from Saxon Van Oursouw with three majors. The pair ensured the club’s return to the top four at the expense of Hallam with both sides still a chance for the minor premiership.
Elsewhere, St Kilda City comfortably disposed of the Vampires by 66 points. Mykelti Lefau bagged eight majors to take his season haul to 29 as the Saints were out to prove a point after their previous performance against Endeavour Hills and did so in style. It wasn’t all easy for the Saints with only a 23-point lead at the final change. However, a seven-goal last quarter was vital in helping secure the four points and third place on the ladder for the time being.
In what was the game of the round, and only game to be separated by 10 goals, Oakleigh defeated the Falcons by three points. In a tense battle, Endeavour Hills needed the win and were unfortunate to fall short after leading by eight points heading into the final quarter.
The result was particularly significant because of its impact on the ladder. The Falcons are sitting two wins from sixth on the ladder and a win would have put them right in the mix for finals calculations. Their opponents, Oakleigh, will be very happy to sneak away with the result as it keeps them in the race for top spot.
Meanwhile, Hampton had a reasonable win over a competitive Lions outfit. Carrum Patterson Lakes managed to play a strong opening term of football as they booted three goals, only to be outclassed during the last to give the Hammers a flattering margin of victory. Ryan Carroll contributed 10 goals to the scoreboard in a stunning individual performance to ultimately move Hampton back into top position on the ladder. With games in hand, the Hammers are looking the likely minor premiers.
The big winners of the round were Cheltenham. They amassed 34.21.225 to win by 207 points to inflict another big margin over Highett. Brad Parker and Tom Davis combined for 22 of their side’s goals reminding the competition of the scoring power. For Highett, Joseph Bekierz and Alexander Draper kicked one goal apiece in an undermanned side.
There aren’t many games left and there are many clubs squabbling for a finals spot. Ultimately, any of the top seven sides could take the premiership in the competition’s best season yet.
