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DIVISION 1
ROUND 7 REVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
Bentleigh 12.19 (91) def East Malvern 9.5 (59)
The Demons’ resurgence continued on Saturday as they claimed their biggest scalp of the season with a comprehensive 32-point victory over East Malvern at Arthur Street.
Bentleigh made a positive start in front of its home crowd and peppered the goals early, however some wasted opportunities prevented them from enjoying a lead greater than 18 points. While inaccuracy proved to be an annoyance for much of the afternoon, the Demons’ ascendancy around the ground ensured it wouldn’t ultimately determine the result.
East Malvern rallied in the third term with a couple of quick goals to bring the margin back to 10 points, but Bentleigh steadied with four goals in the final quarter to record their third win of the season.
While there were few passengers for the victors, the prolific Kayne O’Brien was one of the clear standouts, earning best afield honours. Josh McGarry and skipper Tom Backman were industrious in defence, while Mitch Smart battled manfully in the ruck against the Panthers’ twin towers.
Simon Taylor proved a handful up forward for East Malvern, booting four goals, while Jimmy Dowling also excelled.
Port Melbourne Colts 11.4 (70) def St Pauls 10.8 (68)
Port Colts provided one of the biggest upsets of the season with a nail-biting two-point triumph over ladder leaders St Pauls at JL Murphy Reserve.
The Dogs have made a habit of carving up teams with its sizzling ball movement throughout the season to date, but the Colts made it clear from the outset that they were going to stifle the visitors’ run on their diminutive deck.
It was a ploy that paid handsome dividends.
The loss of key Colt Jake Knox early on in the piece was a tough blow, but the hosts nevertheless edged ahead in a tight first term, before putting their foot down in the second to lead by 21 points at the long break.
The Doggies made their charge after half time, booting four third-term goals to eradicate the deficit and enter the final quarter with their noses in front.
A tense final term ensued, but the gritty Colts proved more composed when it mattered most and claimed the four points in thriller.
The usual suspects in Jake Wood and Lewis Mildenhall led the way for the winners, with Jackson Brown also adding three goals.
Christian McCarthy and Rhys Peet were the Dogs’ best.
St Kilda City 14.15 (99) def Cheltenham 8.7 (58)
With just one victory over the winless Clayton in the last month, the pressure was on St Kilda City to reassert itself as a fair dinkum finals contender.
And the Saints delivered in spades on Saturday, rinsing Cheltenham by 41 points at the Peanut Farm.
Five goals to one in the opening stanza had City on top from the outset, and with Will Debruin and Juy Capp in sparkling touch, they refused to give the Rosellas a sniff. Jaydon Stiles and Dylan Sloan finished the match with three goals each.
Dynamic ball winners Jack Barclay and Daniel Vaughan were again the best for Cheltenham.
Oakleigh Districts 8.6 (54) def by Mordialloc 20.12 (132)
Newly-installed Mordialloc coach Daniel Quinn has had perfect start to his career, steering the Bloods to a commanding victory over Oakleigh District in the Southern FM Match of the Day at Princes Highway Reserve.
Quinn replaced Jason Chapple at the helm during the week.
The result was a fait accompli after half time, with the Bloods booting five unanswered goals in the second term to lead by 30 points at the major interval. However, the bulk of the damage was done in the last quarter with Mordi piling on eight goals to blow the final margin out to a demoralising 78 points – their largest ever victory over the Oaks.
Danny Nicholls was superb through the midfield with his exquisite ball use, while Tom McMahon showed his class with a dominant display in the ruck. Steve Tolongs was an ever-present danger in attack booting six goals.
While positives were few for the undermanned Oaks, the efforts of Paul Fermanis (three goals) and Nuru Jammeh could not be faulted.
Dingley 28.24 (192) def Clayton 2.3 (15)
The Clays have slumped to their worst defeat for the season, walloped by Dingley to the tune of 177 points at the Den.
The Dingoes’ slow start – they registered 3.6 in the first term – provided no indication of the carnage that was to follow, with Calhan McQueen (six goals), Marcus Freeman and Daniel Farmer (four goals each) and each having a day out in front of the sticks.
Captain Jayden Gilmour played a lone hand for Clayton.
DIVISION 2
ROUND 8 REVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
The battle of the top two sides certainly didn’t disappoint in Round 10 of Division 2, but it was Chelsea Heights which got the chocolates while the other top three aspirants also enjoyed narrow wins.
Chelsea Heights 11.14 (80) def Caulfield 9.7 (61)
It was a grind and a match that definitely lived up to expectations, as it was the ladder leaders Chelsea Heights scoring a crucial win against Caulfield.
The Heighters led at every change and were slowly able to increase their lead across the match, but the Bears made them work for it.
Phil Smith kicked three goals for the winners while Nathan Herrington and Lachlan Dobson starred across the ground.
Both sides fought hard during the opening half, each kicking two goals in the first and three in the second quarters, but it was Chelsea Heights with a three-point lead at half time.
The Heighters pulled away slightly during the third term, piling on three goals to two and increasing the margin to 12 points, before doing the same again in the final term to round out 19-point victors.
Jason Twirdy (three goals) and Chris Lewis were among the best for Caulfield.
Skye 13.16 (94) def Hampton 13.9 (87)
They had to do it the hard way, but the Bombers were able to come away with the win against an improved Hammers outfit.
Skye trailed by four points at the final change, but proved too strong in the final term, kicking four goals to two to come away with a seven-point win.
Stephen Hawkins added to his goal tally with four goals while Jim Martinson and Nathan McConville were also impressive.
Hampton had the better of Skye in the first term, taking away a 12-point lead before the Bombers hit back to lead by four points at half time.
Taking control of the favourable conditions, the Hammers booted seven goals to five in the third term to lead by four at the final change, but the Bombers found a way to win, with four goals to two in the last.
Pat Bolger was in good form up forward for Hampton with four goals while Dan Guiry was its best.
Keysborough 19.12 (126) def Mount Waverley 19.11 (125)
Easily one of the most thrilling games of the season, Keysborough came away with a heart-stopping one-point victory against a heartbroken Lions outfit.
Chris Bryan was simply outstanding as a key target for the Burra, coming away with 10 goals while Ryan Goodes and Tom Anderton were also strong.
In a high scoring affair, the match swung both ways for much of contest with Mount Waverley heading into the final break with a three-point buffer.
With both sides looking to come home strong, it was a race to get in front before the final siren, but it was Mount Waverley getting it done early, racing to a 29-point lead at the 15-minute mark.
But Keysborough would kick the last five goals of the game, with Bryan’s 10th coming seconds before the final siren to secure an incredible comeback.
East Brighton 13.10 (88) def Springvale Districts 11.7 (73)
Another ripping contest saw East Brighton work hard for its 15-point win against an ever-improving Springvale Districts side at home.
After trailing by three points at quarter time, the Vampires were able to pull ahead during the second quarter to set up the win.
Brad Wescombe and Lai Love-Linay combined for six goals for the winners, while Mitch Backman was in super form.
Four goals to three saw the Districts leading at the first change, before East Brighton came back to lead by 16 at the half, kicking five goals to two in the second.
Both sides fought hard in the third term, each kicking four goals, but neither were able to break the game open in the last, each registering just one goal as the Vampires held on for the win.
Lachlan Morrey and Stefan Feehan each kicked three goals for the Demons.
Murrumbeena 14.11 (95) def Heatherton 7.7 (49)
In the only blow out game of the afternoon, Murrumbeena strung together an excellent final quarter to pull away from Heatherton.
The Beena only lead by eight points at the final change, after the Tonners cut the lead back from 12, but six goals to one behind in the last sealed the deal.
Alaster Bradley and Josh Hargreaves combined for six majors for Murrumbeena, while Jake Semmel’s excellent form continued with another best afield performance.
Six goals to the Beena in the opening term had them in control with a 23-point lead at the first change, before Heatherton hit back with three goals to one in the second, dropping the lead to 12.
Momentum carried for the Tonners in the third as they cut the lead back to eight points, but the Beena had what it took to finish strong, booting six goals in the last to secure the win.
Michael Bruce (three goals) and Callum Cusack were the best for Heatherton.
DIVISION 3
ROUND 7 REVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Sandown 6.10 (46) def Dandenong 5.10 (40)
Matt Bennie was a major contributor for Sandown, with his three goals helping the Cobras to victory over Dandenong.
His coach, Ange Sammartino explained Bennie is keen to play at full forward regularly, but has been played at fullback to improve aspects of his game.
Bennie has learnt from playing on accomplished forwards and was able to put that knowledge to use against the Redlegs after a return to the forward line.
Sammartino outlined the areas he asked Bennie to improve.
“I just told him exactly what I wanted. I want contests, continual presenting, a bit of common sense when you’re going for the ball and be confident, and he delivered.”
The win moved the Cobras off the bottom of the table.
Sammartino doubled as trivia host in the clubrooms after the day’s play.
With both seniors and reserves winning it “made for a very big night last night,” he said.
Lucas Ligt was the Cobras’ best.
Lyndale 6.10 (46) def by South Yarra 7.7 (49)
South Yarra snuck home by three points in a low-scoring scrap with Lyndale.
The Pumas raced to a 21-point quarter time lead after keeping the Yarras to a total of one behind.
After that, the match tightened up with Lyndale leading narrowly at the next couple of breaks.
The Yarras’ midfield performance held the key to victory.
Endeavour Hills 13.14 (92) def Lyndhurst 12.4 (76)
Accurate goal kicking helped visiting Lyndhurst get a jump on Endeavour Hills.
Jarryd McGrath’s major early in the second term put Lightning 20-points ahead.
The Falcons responded and by the major break were just a point behind.
They took charge in the third term, going to the huddle with a 23-point advantage.
Lyndhurst fought it out in the final stanza, but the Falcons prevailed by 16 points.
The winner had ten goal kickers with Nathan Strom the most prolific with three.
Daniel Batson again starred for Endeavour Hills, being named its best for the fourth time this season.
Hallam 14.23 (107) def Moorabbin 3.2 (20)
Hallam allowed Moorabbin just one goal up until three quarter time.
The Hawks went on to win by 87 points, but it should have been far more.
They added a scarcely believable 5.14 in the final term, whilst the Kangaroos managed two goals straight.
Daniel Chin was best for victorious Hallam and Nathan Pulham and Ryan Marriott each contributed three of its goals.
Doveton Eagles 9.13 (67) def by Black Rock 13.6 (84)
Black Rock steamrolled the inaccurate Doveton in the final term, recording a 17-point triumph.
American-born ruckman Michael ‘Buddy’ Spohn always toils hard, but doesn’t usually feature on the Jets’ best players list.
On this occasion he excelled, topping the list.
Carrum Patterson Lakes 8.4 (52) def by Ashwood 18.15 (123)
Although the final score suggests an easy win for Ashwood, CPL presented a serious challenge for the ladder leader.
Ashwood coach, Mick Rossborough displayed frustration with his players as CPL took it up to his Magpies.
He was unhappy with his team’s efforts, describing their play as “diabolical” at the quarter time huddle.
The Magpies weren’t at their best, but still enjoyed a 15-point advantage at the major break.
Early in the third term the Lions cut the deficit to just a point and appeared set to cause a boilover.
Ashwood then took control putting the win beyond doubt by the last change.
The Magpies went on with the job in the final term, winning by 71 points.
Backman, Matt Maginnes was named best for the winner, whilst Dale Carroll topped its goal kicking with four.
UNDER 19
ROUND 7 REVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
St Kilda City 8.8 (56) def Cheltenham 6.14 (50)
The Saints and Rosellas put each other to the test in the round’s closest match, with the home side coming out best in a narrow victory at the Peanut Farm.
A solid start for Cheltenham saw them leading at the first and second break, with best performer Alex Molyneux starring for the Rosellas against the 2016 premiers. However, Cheltenham couldn’t shake off a closely chasing City, who after trailing by 13 points at the main break, retaliated with a five goal-to-two effort. With a six-point lead at three-quarter time, City had turned the game on its head, with Blake Chrichton and Jye Sujaini both playing pivotal roles in gaining control of the match.
With 10 points a-piece scored in the final term, St Kilda were able to hold onto their six-point lead, winning their seventh game of the season in a well fought out contest – 56 to 50.
Doveton 3.2 (20) def by Parkmore / Springvale Districts 20.18 (138)
Parkmore / Springvale Districts were able to continue their promising form against Doveton, winning by 118 points at the Power Reserve.
It was anyone’s game at the first break with Parkmore / Springvale leading by only seven points, but the second term was where Doveton dropped off and Parkmore / Springvale put their foot down, kicking five goals to one.
From then, Parkmore / Springvale were able to thrive, with Jamie Nyugen delivering a stand out performance for the winners, alongside a notable six goals from Jack Lewis-Smith.
Despite best efforts from Doveton’s Sahin Ayres and Brandon Smith, there was no stopping a dominant Parkmore / Springvale once they had the ball rolling, leaving Doveton still in pursuit of their first win of the season.
Oakleigh District 9.11 (65) def Endeavour Hills 7.9 (51)
Oakleigh District got over the line in another close match of the round, defeating a dogged Endeavour Hills by 14 points at home.
Endeavour Hills were extremely slow to switch on early, with not a point to their name in comparison to an energetic Oakleigh who led 22-0 in the first break. Despite this early margin, Endeavour Hills were awoken in the second term firing back 4.6 to 2.0.
In the third term, Endeavour Hills were unable to back up their effort before half time, and the six behinds scored in the second term proved costly as Oakleigh were able to extend their lead to 14 points at three quarter time. At this point, Oakleigh were in control of the match, with best players Simon Bonacci and Luke Quinlivan providing fantastic performances for the side.
With one quarter remaining for Endeavour Hills to turn the game around, the two sides battled it out scoring 20 points each, which was not enough as they went down in a commendable effort by 14 points. Tyrell Panditharatne was a stand out for Endeavour Hills, and Liam McCabe was vital in Oakleigh’s scoring effort, booting four.
Hallam 12.11 (83) def St Pauls 4.8 (32)
After a confidence-boosting defeat over Dingley in Round 7, Hallam continued their solid form against St Pauls, claiming victory by 51 points at home.
Slow off the mark early, St Pauls trailed 14 to 2 in the first break, but were able to level the match out by half time with both sides sitting on (3.4) 22 points.
Half time unveiled a rejuvenated Hallam, turning up the heat with 5.5 to a scoreless St Pauls. Things quickly turned sour for the Dogs, as Hallam continued to inflict the damage with another four goals in the last term, and taking the win 12.11 (83) to 4.8 (32).
Dingley 21.12 (138) def Bentleigh 2.7 (19)
Dingley were able to bounce back against Bentleigh by a significant 119 points after a disappointing loss to Hallam in Round 7.
It was simply not Bentleigh’s day, as a determined Dingley were keen to assert their dominance as finals contenders this season.
The fourth term was a highlight for Dingley, rubbing salt into Bentleigh’s wounds with seven goals. Adam Peacock was the best for a reinvigorated Dingley outfit, alongside teammates Luke Melnjak and Luke Simmonds.
Skye 11.12 (78) def Hampton 5.9 (39)
This match came down to a test of consistency, with Hampton coming off second best and Skye able to claim victory in a twilight match at the Carrum Downs Reserve.
With a five-point lead at half time, all signs were positive for a hopeful Hampton, who have struggled to compete consistently throughout the season. However, Skye were able to answer back in the third term with three goals to one, overtaking Hampton 11 points at three quarter time.
Skye were able to well and truly break away in the final term with a five-goal effort, sealing the win by 39 points. Jarrod England and Shane Hayes were the best for a triumphant Skye, and Adam Blair was a highlight for Hampton.
