SFNL Football Round 3 Review
By Jason Barbin
Division 1
Cheltenham have made a massive statement on ANZAC Day,thrashing Bentleigh by 94 points in their traditional clash at Jack Barker Ovalto claim the RSL Cup.
An eight-goal second term gave the Rosellas the ascendancyand from there they never relented, completely outclassing the lacklustreDemons.
Will McTaggart booted seven majors up forward for thewinners, with Jack Barclay and Daniel Vaughan also in superb form.
A decisive first half has lifted East Malvern to its first victory of the season, defeating Port Melbourne Colts by 32 points at Dunlop Reserve.
The Pumas booted nine goals to two in the first to set up the win, and were led by best afield Chris Carey and three goals each to Justin Maddern and Xavier Linton.
Key forward Harrison Hunt continues to provide St Pauls with a strong target inside 50, booting three goals for the Dogs in a 45-point triumph at McKinnon Reserve.
St Pauls were simply too good for the Saints, with Ashley Munday best afield
A stunning second half from Oakleigh District provided a strong 35-point win against Mordialloc at Princess Highway Reserve, its first for the season.
The Districts trailed by 16 points at half time, but surged home in the second half, booting 10 goals to two, including holding the Bloods to one point in the final term.
David Velardo booted four goals with John Walker best on ground.
Dingley rounded out the weekend with a comfortable victory against newly promoted Highett, taking home a 90-point victory at Turner Road Reserve.
The Dogs, who booted an inaccurate 2.12, were no match for the Dingoes on the day, with Matt Morwood and Adam Caplan best afield for coach Shane Morwood’s men.
Division 2
A hot start from favourites Murrumbeena has given them an emphatic 48-point triumph over local rivals Caulfield at the Beena Arena.
The Beena were never headed as they slotted five majors in the opening stanza to take control of the match from the outset, with skipper Mitch Walder taking out the ANZAC Day medal.
Harley Ambrose and Nick Brazil were also prominent for Murrumbeena, while Jake Buggy was by far the best for the beaten Bears.
Hampton star Mark Devereaux showed why he can be considered a very early frontrunner for the Bennett Medal, with another best on ground effort in the Hammers 20-point win against Chelsea Heights at Beazley Reserve.
Devereaux booted four majors while club stalwart Brendan Bennett was also in good form in the win, which saw Hampton lead at every change.
Springvale Districts bounced back from its Good Friday loss with a superb 81-point victory against Heatherton at Springvale Reserve.
The Districts led at every change with key target Stefan Feehan extending his lead at the top of the division two goal kicking table, booting six majors.
Keysborough was simply too good during its round three contest against Skye at Keysborough Reserve, cruising home to an 88-point win.
Former Bennett medallist Geoff Humphreys stood strong for the Burra and was best on ground, alongside Tom Anderton and Dylan Webb.
Doveton Eagles won its fourth game in a row, accounting for East Brighton to the tune of 90 points and sending the Vampires to their second straight defeat.
The Eagles finished with six multiple goal kickers during the win at Hurlingham Reserve, with reigning Bennett medallist Nick Battle booting two.
Division 3
Despite going in as warm favourites, Endeavour Hills didn’t have it all their own way in against a gallant Clayton at Meade Reserve.
The Falcons proved too strong, leading at every change enroute to a 25-point victory, but no doubt buoyed by their drought-breaking win the previous week, the Clays stayed with them every step of the way in an entertaining clash.
A powerful second half from Ashwood has spurred it to its first win of the season, completing a 98-point demolition of Cerberus at McAuliffe Oval.
The Magpies led by just 32 points at half time, before booting 13 goals in the second half and finishing with seven multiple goal kickers.
Pat and Ryan Carroll were the best for the visitors with David Hickey producing his best offensive out put for the season with four majors.
Hampton Park and Black Rock have played out a thrilling contest at Robert Booth Reserve, with the Redbacks overcoming a 26-point half time deficit to run out 21-point winners.
Hampton Park booted seven goals in the second half while restricting the Rockers to just three behinds as it completed the 47-point turnaround.
Offseason recruit Ryan Pearson debuted for the Redbacks and made an immediate impact in a best afield effort.
Division 4
Lyndhurst has held off a gallant and fast finishing Lyndale squad to record its third straight win of the season, a nine-point victory at Marriott Waters Reserve.
The Lightning led by 17 points at three quarter time, but were able to hold off the Pumas who continue to show improvement.
Ryan Henczel was best on ground for the victors with Jarryd McGrath booting four goals.
South Yarra has put together an impressive performance to record its first win of the season, a 31-point result against Carrum Patterson Lakes at Roy Dore Reserve.
First year player Shaun Falla put together his best performance of the season, booting four majors for the Lions, with Julian Belfrage continuing his good early season form.
Frankston Dolphins remained undefeated after a narrow 19-point escape against Moorabbin Kangaroos at Widdop Crescent Reserve.
The Dolphins struggled to convert their chances throughout the game, but were able to boot three goals to zero in the final term to turn a two-point deficit into a 19-point win.
Charles Pascazio was best on ground for the victors, while offseason recruit Mitchell Latimer continues to impress.
Hallam remains on top of the division four ladder following
a comfortable 37-point victory against Dandenong at Greaves Reserve on Sunday.
The Hawks used a balanced forward attack to secure the victory, finishing with 10 goal scorers, led by Jack Sharlassian with three majors, bringing his season total to 13.
