SFNL Football Round 2 Review

By Jason Barbin

DIVISION 1

St Kilda City broke through for its first win of the season, sending last year’s runners-up East Malvern to an 0-2 start with a narrow four-point victory at the Peanut Farm. Former St Kilda footballer Raphael Clarke was the star for the Saints in the win, named best on ground with Perry O’Hehir-Vargas booting four goals.

A stunning second half from Mordialloc has spurred it to a sensational come from behind win against St Pauls at Ben Kavanagh Reserve. After going into half time trailing by 31 points, the Bloods slammed home 11 goals to three in the second half to come away with a 23-point win.

Former Carlton footballer Jed Lamb has proven his worth with a strong performance for Bentleigh. in its round two victory against Oakleigh District at Bentleigh Reserve. Lamb finished with two goals, and was one of four multiple goalkickers for the Demons, as Peter Pirera’s men finished with a comfortable 44-point win.

Dingley is the early ladder leader, after scraping home against a gallant Port Melbourne Colts outfit at Souter Oval to the tune of 12 points. The Dingoes had their work cut out for them for the majority of the match, with star forward Daniel Farmer influential with three majors, while Danny Ades was best afield.

Cheltenham was the only away side to finish with the four points in Round 2, dispatching the promoted Highett by 38 points at Turner Road Reserve. The Dogs fought back from an early 29-point deficit to get to within 11 points by half time, but the Rosellas powered home in the second half, outscoring the hosts six goals to two.

DIVISION 2

Chelsea Heights is on the winners list for the first time this season, taking care of Skye on the road, with a 17-point win at Carrum Downs Recreation Reserve. The Heighters were pushed all the way by the Bombers, but were able to come out on top with Jayden Attard, who returned to the club during the off-season, among the best.

In just his second game for the club, offseason recruit Jye Sigersma has booted three goals as Doveton Eagles smashed Caulfield by 70 points at Koornang Park Reserve. Sigersma was one of five multiple goal scorers for the Eagles, who booted 11 goals to five in the second half to race to a 2-0 start to the season.

The newly promoted Springvale Districts claimed a big scalp in Round 2, defeating a Luke James-less Murrumbeena by 30 points at the Beena Arena. With off-season recruit Brody Ledder leading the way, the Districts improved to 2-0 on the season and sit on top of the ladder after two rounds.

Hampton has bounced back from a disappointing Round 1 loss in spectacular fashion, thumping East Brighton by 78 points at the Toolbox on Saturday. The Hammers were rarely troubled throughout the contest, with Mark Devereaux showing why he’s a force to be reckoned with, booting five majors in a best afield performance.

Keysborough has shown its going to be a tough team to deal with in 2019, belting Heatherton by 127 points at Ross Street Reserve. Last year’s goal scoring duo Chris Bryan and Matthew Carnelley each bagged five for the Burra, while Bryce Sutton put on a masterclass through the midfield.

DIVISION 3

Hampton Park has raced away to a 2-0 start for season 2019, defeating Endeavour Hills by 11 points in a thrilling contest at Barry Simon Reserve on Saturday. The two sides could barely be separated throughout the afternoon, with the lead changing hands at every interval. In the end it was Hampton Park’s off-season recruit Phillip Nanfra who proved to be the difference, as the Redbacks came away with the four points.

Off-season recruit Ryan Handley has made a big impact for Black Rock to lead it to a 14-point win against Cerberus at McDonald Reserve on Saturday. Handley booted two goals in a best afield performance for the Rockers, while club stalwart Kelly Spratt was also among the best.

Clayton is the toast of the Southern Football League after breaking through for its first win since 2016, defeating Ashwood by just 10 points at Meade Reserve. The Clays led all afternoon, but had to hold off a fast-finishing Magpies outfit, but it was Jayden Gilmour who was the hero, booting five goals with Chris Morrison best afield, as Jason Smith’s men broke a 38-game losing streak.

DIVISION 4

Hallam became the second side in a matter of weeks to post a big score on Lyndale, with the Hawks booting 25 goals to defeat the Pumas by 130 points at Barry Powell Reserve. In just his second game for the club, key target Jack Sharlassian proved he’s going to be a handful with six goals, while Rory McIvor booted five majors.

Moorabbin and Lyndhurst have played out a thrilling contest at Marriott Waters Reserve on Saturday, with the Roos coming away with a one-point win against last year’s runner-up. A week after booting 36 goals against Lyndale, Moorabbin’s forward half came up with goals when it needed them the most, as the Roos outlasted the Lightning.

Off-season recruit Mitchell Delmo played his best game so far for new club Frankston Dolphins during its 39-point triumph against South Yarra at Overport Park. The Dolphins fell behind during the first half as the Lions led by three points at half time, before the home side surged home in the second, booting nine goals to two.

Carrum Patterson Lakes got its first win of the season, able to comfortably dispatch Dandenong by 59 points at Roy Dore Reserve in Round 2. Long time leading goal kicker Alex Wilson was back at it with seven goals, while club debutant Brenton Rafferty booted four majors.