Listen to the podcast of Sunday's The 5th Quarter, featuring special guest Gerard Chadwick live from the Mordialloc FNC social club, in the player above.
DIVISION 1
ROUND 12 REVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
St Pauls 11.16 (82) def East Malvern 11.8 (74)
A fast-finishing St Pauls has run over the top of a gallant East Malvern to record an eight-point victory in another cracking contest at the Kennel.
The Panthers were hampered by the early losses of defender Daniel Roche and ruckman Matt Terech through injury, leaving them down on rotations for the majority of the match. Nevertheless, their tough, uncompromising style of football saw them fight back from a 15-point quarter time deficit to lead by a goal at the final change.
But as they have done several times this year, St Pauls finished full of run, and booted five goals in the thrilling final stanza to swing the result in their favour.
Undersized Dogs ruckman Nick Halliday was exceptional all afternoon, and capped a terrific day out with three majors. Matt Kreymborg and Nick Hogan also proved invaluable, while Kieran Knox and Will Clarke starred down back.
Dean Millhouse and Nathan Henley were deadly up forward for the Panthers sharing eight goals between them, with Ed Sim and Simon Tayler also providing valuable support around the ground.
St Kilda City 7.12 (54) def by Bentleigh 14.12 (96)
The Demons have surged back in to the top five at St Kilda City’s expense after over powering the Saints by 42 points at the Peanut Farm.
It is the first time Bentleigh has featured in the top half of the ladder since Round 1.
The Demons couldn't capitalise on their inside 50 dominance in the opening quarter, and as result there was little between them on the scoreboard for the majority of the match. Less than a kick separated the two sides at any break, with just a solitary behind the difference at the final change.
But the visitors quickly snuffed out any chance of a nail-biting finish, booting seven unanswered goals in a dominant last quarter to run out comfortable winners.
Michael Rogers, Liam Hogton- Jackson Meredith and Tom Massey were all terrific for the Demons, while Sam McGarry topped an even spread of goal kickers with three majors.
For the Saints, it was Matt Runnalls and Aaron Green keeping them in the contest.
Cheltenham 6.8 (44) def by Oakleigh District 14.16 (100)
Four quarters of high-intensity footy has propelled Oakleigh District to a convincing 56-point triumph over Cheltenham at Jack Barker Oval.
The win ensures Oakleigh District remains in contention for a finals berth, while Cheltenham’s top-five prospects now look decidedly bleak with six matches remaining.
The Rosellas remained in the hunt up until half-time, trailing by just 20 points at the major interval, but the Districts' backline, led by the dependable Simon Black and skipper Brody Hodic, restricted the home side to just two goals in the second half.
Up the other end, a five-goal third term for the Oaks ensured the match was all but over at the final change.
Jake Mullen continued his purple patch, booting seven goals in a dazzling display, while Dave Velardo and Cory Hutchinson were also influential for the visitors.
Mitch La Fontaine and Sean McLaren stood out for Cheltenham.
Port Melbourne Colts 8.2 (50) def by Dingley 20.21 (141)
The Dingoes proved far too accomplished for Port Melbourne Colts at JL Murphy Reserve, cruising to victory by a whopping 91 points.
A six-goal-to-one opening term ensured Dingley held sway from the early stages, and they didn’t take their foot off the accelerator as they extended their lead at every break.
In fact, the final margin could have been a lot worse for the Colts had the reigning premiers converted better than the 3.11 they managed in the last quarter.
Cal McQueen was again the star for the rampaging Dingoes with yet another six-goal haul – his fourth in five weeks. Chris Horton-Milne and Josh Ferguson were prolific possession-winners, while Daniel Farmer was also influential with three goals.
Lachlan Rennie and Lewis Mildenhall were among the Colts’ best.
Mordialloc 26.24 (180) def Clayton 5.3 (33)
The tale of woe has continued for Clayton, with Mordialloc handing them a mammoth 147-point thrashing at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.
The Bloods clicked into gear in the second term following a slow opening stanza that yielded just 3.7, but managed to extend their lead at every change as they consolidated their status as front runners for the minor premiership.
Danny Nicholls and Ben Humphrey were simply unstoppable all over the ground and combined for nine majors, while James Morris was also a beneficiary up forward, booting a game-high six majors.
Jack McEwin and Joel Rigoni continued their good form for the Clays, while big Dean Evangelista also worked hard.
DIVISION 2
ROUND 14 REVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
Caulfield was the big winner in Division 2 on Saturday as it climbed into second spot on the ladder, courtesy of a come from behind win against Murrumbeena while Highett kept is season alive.
Caulfield 10.8 (68) def Murrumbeena 8.6 (54)
Caulfield has moved into second spot on the Division 2 ladder after completing a comeback against Murrumbeena.
The Bears were outplayed for near on three quarters to trail by 17 points at the final change, before storming home with five goals to one behind in the last.
Stewart Broussard bagged four goals in the win and was joined among the best by Chris Lewis who was superb in kicking two majors, including the sealer.
Caulfield got off to a strong start in the first, booting three goals to two before Murrumbeena fired back in the second, with three goals of its own to just two behinds in reply, creating an 11-point half time lead.
The Beena continued on into the third, establishing a 17-point three quarter time lead with a further three goals before the Bears stormed home in the last, snagging five majors to secure the 14-point win.
Alaster Bradley kicked four goals for Murrumbeena while Jake Semmel was its best.
Skye 15.7 (97) def Heatherton 4.7 (31)
Skye has recorded a comfortable 66-point win against Heatherton, keeping alive its chances of a top three finish.
The Bombers booted nine goals in the second half to seal the win, which keeps them a game behind Caulfield and Keysborough in the top three.
Kyle Gascoigne, Stephen Hawkins and Chase Allan combined for 10 majors in the win while Jess Elms was named best on ground.
Skye took off in the first half, kicking six of the first eight goals of the game to establish a 28-point lead going into the half time interval.
The Bombers put their foot down during the third, slamming home another six goals to one, before finishing with a further three goals in the final term.
Reagan Maddaford and Pol Lavery were named the Tonners’ best.
East Brighton 10.14 (74) def Mount Waverley 9.5 (59)
East Brighton has held off a fast finishing Mount Waverley outfit to record a 15-point win at homer and move into sixth spot on the ladder.
The Vampires led by 32 points at the final break, holding on after the Lions booted five goals to two in the last to make the game interesting.
Barry Hope led four multiple goal scorers for East Brighton with three majors while Ryan Stringer joined him among the best afield.
Mount Waverley shot away to a strong start in the first, booting four goals to three behinds to lead by 22, before East Brighton turned the tables in the second, scoring 4.1 to 0.2 to lead by a solitary point at half time.
The Vampires’ momentum carried on through the third as they slammed on four goals, albeit from 12 scoring shots, to one behind, but the Lions fought back in the last though their comeback attempt fell 15 points shy.
Andrew Mathers and Michael Keem (two goals) were named Mount Waverley’s best.
Highett 9.14 (68) def Hampton 9.11 (65)
Highett remains in the hunt for finals after holding off a final quarter comeback attempt from fifth-placed Hampton.
The Dogs overcame an early 10-point deficit to lead by 17 at the final change, but conceded 2.4 to 0.2 in the last quarter to just secure a three-point win.
Mark Short and Tom Brown were named best on ground for the victors while three players finished with two majors each.
Hampton shot off to a solid start in the first, booting three goals to one before Highett pulled back in the second, getting on the board with four goals to one to fashion a six-point half time lead.
The Dogs continued to make the most of their opportunities in the third with another four goals giving them a 17-point buffer, but the Hammers came back in the last although inaccurate kicking potentially cost them a win.
Luke Hayes and Leigh McLuckie were listed as Hampton’s best afield.
Chelsea Heights 15.10 (100) def Springvale Districts 6.12 (48)
The ladder leaders and premiership favourites have cruised to a 52-point win against finals challenger Springvale Districts on the road.
Chelsea Heights put together a consistent four-quarter performance in the win, booting eight goals in the second half.
Three players finished with three goals for the Heighters, with Jarryd Uren and Michael Shaw joining them among the best.
Chelsea Heights fashioned an early 23-point advantage with four goals to one in the opening quarter, before Springvale cut it back slightly to 21 points by half time.
The Heighters turned it on during the third term however, registering six goals to two to blow the margin out to 45 points, before finishing the game with two goals to five behinds.
William Nevill and Jack Allender were impressive for Springvale.
DIVISION 3
ROUND 13 REVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Lyndale 14.16 (100) def Carrum Patterson Lakes 10.4 (64)
Trevor Kumetaitis’ five goals against CPL took his season total to 50.
Fellow Puma Jayden Malek was his side’s best, as he was in Round 12.
He contributed two goals to Lyndale’s 36-point win over the Lions.
CPL competed well in the first half under the guidance of new senior coach Cain Padman, before falling away.
Endeavour Hills 10.12 (72) def Hallam 9.12 (66)
Jayson Bruce was the Falcons’ best in a one-goal win over Hallam.
Endeavour Hills coach Rob Dipper identified the Falcons’ ability to shut down Hallam’s outside run in the third term as a key factor in the win.
“They’re very quick, very skilful and we just made it a contested game,” he said.
Dipper indicated the first half was fast moving “end to end footy” and that Hallam was damaging out wide in the second term.
Endeavour Hills is the only side to get the better of Hallam this season and has won both 2017 encounters.
Particularly pleasing for Dipper was his team’s ability to cover the absence of talented players such as Daniel Batson.
Ashwood 8.6 (54) def by Black Rock 14.14 (98)
Black Rock’s Brenton Rafferty snapped an early goal, giving the Jets momentum against Ashwood. He soon added a couple more, with Ashwood yet to score.
Rafferty’s early influence was no flash in the pan. He finished with six goals, also setting up numerous opportunities for teammates.
Rafferty was the SFNL radio team’s player of the day in a 44-point Black Rock victory.
A yellow card shown to Jake Chapman compounded a poor first half for Ashwood.
The Magpies started the second half 28 points in arrears and were a man down for most of the third term.
South Yarra 26.21 (177) def Dandenong 3.4 (22)
Dan Russell proved dominant up forward for South Yarra in a best on ground effort.
He nailed nine goals in a 155-point shellacking of Dandenong, having kicked just two previously this season.
Chris Dore made his senior debut for the Yarras after several years of reserves and thirds footy for the club.
Lyndhurst 4.10 (34) def by Doveton Eagles 9.13 (67)
Doveton made it four wins on the trot, winning by 33 points against Lyndhurst.
The Eagles led by a solitary goal heading into the last stanza, but kicked away with four majors to none thereafter.
Cameron Carmody was prominent for the winner with four goals, whilst Cory Wilson was the Eagles’ best.
Moorabbin 19.15 (129) def Sandown 13.4 (82)
At half time Sandown trailed Moorabbin by seven goals, having been on the receiving end of a footy clinic from Justin Isaac.
There was a twist in the third term when confusion after an injury resulted in an extra Moorabbin player on the field.
Moorabbin went on to win comfortably, despite being stripped of the points it scored during the mix up.
Isaac’s class and seven goals were pivotal to Moorabbin’s 47-point victory.
Sandown coach Ange Sammartino praised the efforts of Daniel McMahon who followed up a reserves game earlier in the day with five goals in the seniors.
UNDER 19
ROUND 12 REVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
Skye 4.10 (34) def by St Pauls 9.6 (60)
St Pauls ended their four-match losing streak in their feat over Skye, bouncing back after a disappointing loss to Cheltenham in Round 11.
Nicholas Coutts starred in what was truly a team effort win for the Doggies, with goals from seven players contributing to their 26-point win at the Carrum Downs Reserve.
Slow to start, Skye trailed by 12 points at the first break, but answered back in the second term -outscoring St Pauls by two points yet still trailing by 10. Things could have been different at the main break for Skye, as some inaccuracy (five behinds) proved to be costly.
Despite Skye contesting closely with a hungry opponent in the third, and an outstanding performance from Ashley Burks, the final term was where St Pauls sealed the deal –restricting Skye to just two points and taking the win.
Hallam 17.12 (114) def Oakleigh District 8.5 (53)
A tenacious Hallam arguably sit in their best form yet as they as they begin their finals pursuit, knocking off a bewildered Oakleigh in a stunning home performance.
Dishing up District’s second consecutive loss after a tough loss to St Kilda in Round 11, Hallam got off to a cracking start -leading by 23 points at the first break. A soft response from Oakleigh in the second term (2.1 to 4.2) saw the score sit at 19-55 going into half time.
The third quarter was most damaging, as Hallam continued to rub salt into Oakleigh’s wounds -piling on eight goals to one. Some inaccuracies (11 behinds) showed Oakleigh a shred of mercy, and tightened a margin that threatened to soar further out of control.
A fantastic fourth quarter effort from Oakleigh was symbolic of the force they required throughout the game’s entirety – with a momentum shift seeing them outscore their opponent by 21 points. However, it was too little too late as Hallam preceded to victory, taking the win and simultaneously leapfrogging Oakleigh on the ladder to third position.
Hampton 2.2 (14) def by Cheltenham 23.15 (153)
Hampton went down by 139 points in an ugly loss against an unforgiving Cheltenham.
Nine goal kickers for the Rosellas piled on the damage, in what was a nightmarish game for Hampton that saw them kick two goals to Cheltenham’s 23.
Jake Hibbert was Cheltenham’s best, and Tom Davis was notable with five goals to his name.
Parkmore / Springvale Districts 16.5 (101) defeated Bentleigh 9.11 (65)
Bentleigh’s two game winning streak was cut short by a determined Parkmore / Springvale Districts, who put on a show at home and took the win by six goals.
The scoreboard does little to reflect the true competitiveness of this match, as the final result was well and truly up for grabs to any team until the last quarter, where Parkmore / Springvale were able to run away with the win.
Bentleigh only trailed by ten points at the first break, but it was the second term where their opponents put their foot down and stretched their lead to 36 points with five goals to one.
In the third term, a comeback looked imminent for Bentleigh – who led by best on ground Michael D’Rozario, managed to close the gap and keep Parkmore / Springvale to just one goal, and trail by eight points going into the final term.
Parkmore / Springvale needed a solid last quarter effort to shake off their persistent opponent, and with the class of Robert Lega Frost and Ben Ekeroma, they were able to deliver just that – kicking six goals to Bentleigh’s one, and taking out the result in a hard fought out contest.
Jordan Waite was once again a formidable force in the forward line for Parkmore / Springvale with five goals, and Sam Ozaydin slotted three for Bentleigh.
Dingley 7.13 (55) def Endeavour Hills 7.7 (49)
The ninth-placed Endeavour Hills gave premiership hopefuls Dingley a run for their money at Souter Oval, falling agonisingly short by nine points.
The end result was well and truly anyone’s to steal judging by the close score at half time, with Endeavour Hills leading Dingley by three points (33-30). However, a solid Dingley defence in the third term sent Endeavour Hills trailing by 16 points, as they were restricted to just three behinds on the scoreboard.
In the final term, a firing Endeavour Hills kept Dingley goalless and momentum was on their side. But an outstanding performance from Alex Doran, followed by teammates Harrison Malone and Lachlan Cummins, was not enough as Endeavour Hills, as they ran out of steam in a highly commendable effort -guaranteed to have shaken up an unsuspecting Dingo pack.
Luke Simmonds was best for the winning side, and Joel Sarlo was instrumental in the forward line with three goals.
St Kilda City defeated Doveton via forfeit.
