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DIVISION 1
ROUND 2 REVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
Cheltenham 13.4 (82) def Bentleigh 8.9 (57)All News
The Rosellas reclaimed the RSL Cup from rivals Bentleigh after a hard-fought victory in their ANZAC Round clash at Jack Barker Oval.
It was a pulsating contest between the two sides for much of the afternoon, with the lead changing several times during the first three quarters. Both teams played scintillating football at times, however, neither could wrest control of the match.
But Cheltenham finally found another gear in the final term, kicking six goals to one to turn their narrow three quarter time deficit into a confidence-boosting 25-point victory.
Sean McLaren dominated in the ruck for the Rosellas all afternoon and duly earned best on ground honours. Teammates Tom Donnell and Daniel Vaughn were both prolific ball-winners and provided plenty of forward momentum, while the diminutive Ange Soldatos proved a livewire up forward.
Jackson Meredith and Brody Lawford were the standouts in what was an admirable performance from Bentleigh, who entered the clash with several key players missing from its best 22.
[caption id="attachment_14662" align="aligncenter" width="499"]
Ruckman Sean McLaren was best afield for the Rosellas.[/caption]
Mordialloc 14.9 (93) def Port Melbourne Colts 7.4 (46)
Mordialloc has consigned Port Colts to its first ever Southern league defeat, and indeed its first defeat since August 15, 2015, with a comprehensive 47-point triumph at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.
The two sides were separated by just eight points after a hotly-contested opening half, but it all unravelled for the Colts after the long break.
As Mordi gained the ascendancy through the middle, the visitors became their own worst enemy at times, with several brain fades hurting their chances of getting back into the game. The result was an eight-goal-to-two second half in favour of the home side, who comfortably secured their second win of the year.
James Morris and Matty Ravenall were the chief destroyers for the winners with nine goals between them, while Aaron Kneebone and skipper Todd Bastion were also terrific.
Will Cardwell, Lewis Mildenhall and the mercurial Mitch Clarke, who finished with five of his team’s goals, were the Colts’ best.
St Pauls 17.11 (113) def Oakleigh District 12.10 (82)
Meanwhile a stirring second half has seen St Pauls run over the top of Oakleigh District at the Kennel to record its first win of 2017.
There was just one point in at the long break, and all indicators pointed to a nail-biting finish between the two combatants. It wasn’t to be as the Dogs came out firing with 10 second half majors to steamroll the lacklustre Oaks.
The most exciting aspect of the home side’s victory was that it was largely orchestrated by its young pups in Dino Karamoshos, Anthony Locandro, Will Clarke and Brad Dolan, who booted three goals, including the sealer.
Ryan Pearson and Daniel Kirby were the Districts’ best.
St Kilda City 13.9 (87) def Dingley 9.8 (62)
The Saints pulled off the biggest surprise of the round as they upset Dingley at the Peanut Farm.
St Kilda City got off to a fast start, banging on six goals in the opening term to race away to a handy quarter time lead.
It proved a decisive break. The aerial dominance of ruckman Troy Kelm helped ensure the home side earned first use of the pill from the stoppages, which subsequently denied the Dingoes a chance to work back into the contest.
Beau Runnalls and Jayden Stiles each booted three goals, while Thomas Motlop was again an influence.
Danny Ades (three majors) and Lucas Walmsley again led the charge for the Dingoes.
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Dingo Matt Morwood fires out a handpass.
PHOTO: Michael Walsh[/caption]
Clayton 2.4 (16) def by East Malvern 21.11 (137)
A 10-goal masterclass from Dean Millhouse has helped East Malvern thrash Clayton by a whopping 121 points at Meade Reserve.
The Panthers were simply unstoppable around the contest all afternoon, and exploited all of the Clays’ structural shortcomings. They dominated possession through the midfield, with Ed Sim, Jimmy Dowling and Nathan Henley among a host of players to find plenty of ball.
The versatile Millhouse was the beneficiary of some exquisite foot skills as the powerful East Malvern on-ball brigade provided him silver service all afternoon.
Joel Rigoni and Jayden Gilmour were admirable in defence for the Clays, but had little support from their teammates.
DIVISION 2
ROUND 3 REVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
Round 3 has come and gone after having to wait two weeks for football, but as always there was plenty of surprises to be had.
Chelsea Heights 9.13 (67) def Springvale Districts 7.8 (50)
This certainly wasn’t the prettiest of contests and Chelsea Heights, despite getting the win, may be disappointed at the way they played.
The Heighters enjoyed a strong second half, kicking six goals, but were unable to make the most of their chances in the second quarter after booting three majors in the first.
Lachlan Dobson, Phil Smith and Matt Johansson each kicked two goals for the victors while Michael Shaw and Andrew Cupit were at their best.
Three goals to one had Chelsea Heights ahead by 15 points at quarter time, before Springvale hit back, scoring 2.5 to 0.2 to cut the margin to one point at half time.
The Heighters found the goals again in the third to lead by eight points at the final change, before adding another four goals in the last to run out 17-point winners.
Steven Comino and Todd Wills were Springvale’s best.
East Brighton 23.13 (151) def Mount Waverley 18.5 (113)
In the most entertaining clash of the weekend, the Vampires put together one of the best final quarters you’ll see this season to run out big winners against the Lions.
Anthony Bailey and Andrew Jansen were at their absolute best for East Brighton, combining for eight majors while Brad Wescombe was best on ground.
In a high scoring contest, Mount Waverly opened with a seven goal to five first term to lead by 13 points before East Brighton hit back with five goals to four in the second to reduce the deficit to two points at the main break.
Scores were level going into the final change, but the Vampires held all the momentum as they booted nine goals to just three to blow the winning margin out to 38 points.
Michael Keem was in excellent form for the Lions and was their best on ground while James Gough finished with four goals.
Caulfield 9.13 (67) def Murrumbeena 7.6 (48)
A strong final quarter has helped Caulfield overcome a gallant Murrumbeena outfit and walk away with a 19-point win.
Chris Dove was in good form for the Bears up forward, booting three goals while Tom Heagney and Alex Cables were their best.
In a tight first half, Caulfield booted just two majors in each quarter to hold a 10-point lead at the half time break with Murrumbeena nipping at its heels.
The Beena found some momentum in the third quarter, booting two goals while holding the Bears to three behinds to level the score.
Caulfield had all the answers in the final term however, bagging five goals to two to draw ahead of Murrumbeena and run out 19-point victors.
Chris Evans and Eduardo Espinosa were named as Murrumbeena’s best.
Skye 22.17 (149) def Heatherton 7.5 (47)
Skye confirmed it is a force to be reckoned with in 2017 after completing a thorough demolition of Heatherton.
Boom recruit Stephen Hawkins booted seven goals in a stunning best on ground performance while Ben Walker was also pretty handy with a five goal effort.
The Bombers clicked into gear right from the start, booting 10 goals in the opening quarter to just one behind to open up an unassailable 62-point lead.
The lead only continued to grow throughout the remainder of the game, blowing out to more than 100 points during the final term.
Blake Cochrane booted three goals for the Tonners while Reagan Maddaford was named their best.
Hampton 15.4 (94) def Highett 12.11 (83)
Hampton made sure Highett’s dismal start to the season continued with an impressive 11-point win off the back of a strong final term.
The Hammers only led by one point at the final change, but booted five goals to three to run out for their third win in a row.
Pat Bolger proved he will be a dangerous target up forward for Hampton this year booting five goals, while Dan Guiry’s excellent form around the ground continued.
In a high scoring affair, Highett booted 5.4 to 4.0 in the opening term to lead by 10 points, before Hampton hit surged ahead in the second term with five goals to two to lead by 10 at half time.
A grinding third quarter saw Highett reduce the margin to one point at the final change, before Hampton kicked away in the final quarter with five goals to run out 11-point winners.
Tom Brown was in excellent form for the Dogs with four goals in a best afield effort.
DIVISION 3
ROUND 2 REVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Sandown 2.5 (17) def by Moorabbin 15.14 (104)
Moorabbin’s recent recruiting nous was displayed in the Kangaroos’ demolition of Sandown.
Damian Armansin was best on ground, with Justin Berry booting seven goals.
Moorabbin’s winning margin was 87 points, ensuring Andrew Sharp’s 200th game was one to celebrate.
Dandenong 4.7 (31) def by South Yarra 22.15 (147)
It was a satisfying outing for South Yarra as it ventured to Greaves Reserve, home of the annual Dandenong Show.
Whilst agricultural shows are associated with animal parades, this match was more reminiscent of events at Rome’s Colosseum.
The Lions feasted on the Redlegs, recording a 116-point win.
South Yarra’s Brodie Howe was best afield and kicked five goals, as did teammates Shaheen Merchant and Tom MacDonald.
Hallam 12.7 (79) def by Endeavour Hills 13.9 (87)
Six final-term goals enabled Endeavour Hills to overpower premiership fancy Hallam.
It was a tremendous result for the Falcons after trailing at every break, and having been 22-points in arrears at the final change.
Daniel Batson illustrated what a valuable addition he is to the Endeavour Hills side, booting two goals and being named the winner’s best player.
Joel Marie and Jarrod Marolla contributed three goals each to the victory.
Black Rock 4.11 (35) def by Ashwood 16.12 (108)
Expectations for an enthralling encounter were dashed as Ashwood took charge after quarter time to defeat Black Rock comfortably.
The Jets managed an abysmal nine behinds to half time, without registering a single goal.
Ashwood won every quarter in a dominant display, with David Reilly leading the charge as the Magpies’ best.
Lively forward Frank Martinicchio booted four majors to help set up the 73-point win.
Doveton Eagles 18.8 (116) def Lyndhurst 8.14 (62)
Doveton was the only victorious home team in the division, showing far too much dash for Lyndhurst.
Former Melbourne high-flyer Russell Robertson wasn’t able to take a screamer for the Eagles, but finished with five goals.
Best on ground, Travis Graeske was outstanding, dodging tackles and creating opportunities with his passing.
Doveton prevailed by 54 points.
Carrum Patterson Lakes 8.3 (51) def by Lyndale 21.13 (139)
CPL had little to feel good about other than its accurate goal kicking.
It managed eight goals, with just three behinds.
However, visitor Lyndale dominated all day to record an 88-point win.
Pumas Trevor Kumetaitis and Matthew Stuart put through five goals each, whilst teammate Brett Tosh was the game’s best player.
UNDER 19
ROUND 2 REVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
St Pauls 9.3 (57) def by Oakleigh District 10.12 (72)
St Pauls and Oakleigh District battled it out at McKinnon Reserve, in a relatively close game that Oakleigh District managed to lead at every break with a best on ground performance from Dylan Duffield.
A quiet third quarter saw only six points scored between both sides, but both teams were able to fire up in the last term scoring four goals each.
Unfortunately, St Pauls couldn’t bridge the gap, eventually going down by by 15 points.
St Kilda City 9.8-62 def by Dingley 10.10 (70)
After coming off a confidence boosting defeat of their 2016 premiership rival Hampton, St Kilda City were looking sharp going into Round 2. Hosting the tenacious Dingoes at the Peanut Farm, St Kilda City got off to a quick start in the first quarter.
The half time break ignited a spark in the Dingley side, scoring four goals to St Kilda’s zero in the third quarter. St Kilda responded in the final term but Dingley managed to sneak away with an eight-point victory.
Daniel Stewart lead the Dingoes to the win being best on ground and in his first game for the season, Remmi Faulkner-Wood was also a pivotal force booting five goals.
Doveton Eagles 3.3-21 def by Hampton 29.20 (194)
Doveton did not receive the start to the season they were after, as Hampton took them apart inflicting a 173-point defeat.
Hampton were just too good for the Eagles, booting 26 goals with an impressive 12 different goal kickers. Bunarith Kheng starred for Hampton with great support from Kyle Reynolds and Troy Smith.
Beau O’Brien and Grayson Baines showed glimpses of hope for a disappointing Doveton, with their team no doubt looking forward to next round to restore some pride.
Skye 6.4-40 def by 12.8-80 Parkmore/Springvale Districts
Skye were too slow off the mark for a fired up Parkmore/Springvale Districts, who had their first win of the season by 40 points.
Parkmore/Springvale dominated the match, with a consistent effort across all quarters. Skye managed to outscore Parkmore/Springvale in the third quarter, but Parkmore/Springvale were simply too strong with a seven goal haul from Jack Lewis-Smith a highlight.
Hallam 6.14-50 def 6.3-39 Endeavour Hills
Hallam hosted Endeavour Hills at home and took away their first win by 11 points, after a narrow loss to Skye in the previous round.
The winning margin may have been greater given Hallam’s inaccuracy in front of goal with 14 behinds.
Nick Gay starred and was best a field for the winning side, and Dion Cavallo and Timmothy Gavenlock were best for Endeavour Hills.
Cheltenham 14.13 (97) def Bentleigh 10.7 (67)
The Rosellas took on the Demons in an entertaining contest, with the former getting home by five goals.
Both teams provided a high standard of footy, and little could separate them for the first three quarters, but a dominant final term saw Cheltenham kick four goals to one to secure victory.
Anthony Malamas was the star for the winners with five goals, while solid contributions also came from Dayton Woodham and Thomas Kilner.
Sam Ruddy and Joel Nankervis were among the standouts for the gallant Bentleigh outfit.
