SFNL Football Round Recap
By Jason Barbin
DIVISION 1
Bentleigh remains in touch with the top five following a cool 19-point upset victory on the road at Ben Kavanagh Reserve against Mordialloc.
The Demons led at every change after a strong four-goal first quarter kick started their day, with Travis Rowley named best on ground alongside Roland De Biase and Ben Cooper.
Justin Summons stood tall for the beaten Bloods.
East Malvern climbs into fifth spot on the ladder following a 42-point triumph against Oakleigh District at Dunlop Reserve, their third win in four games.
The Panthers led by just eight points at half time, booting just three goals to the main break, before piling on a staggering 14 goals in the second half to run away comfortably.
St Pauls has produced possibly its best performance of the season to date, knocking off former ladder leaders Dingley by 26 points at McKinnon Reserve.
The Dogs led from start to finish with a five-goal first term setting the tone for the day, with Harrison Hunt, Kale Pryor and Nick Stathopoulos each booting three majors.
Spearhead Dan Farmer led the way for the Dingoes with five goals.
Cheltenham has moved into top spot on the division one ladder following a sound 27-point victory against Port Melbourne Colts at Murphy Reserve.
The Rosellas overcame a four-goal effort from Colts’ livewire Callum Cathcart, with Dylan Weickhardt producing a best afield performance alongside Kyle Parsons.
St Kilda City has produced a stunning eight-goal final term to steal victory from Highett by 16 points at the Peanut Farm.
The Saints trailed by 17 points at the final change, before surging home with Jesse Firebrace in outstanding form with a three-goal best afield effort while Eddie Greene tallied four majors.
DIVISION 2
Ten goals combined from Keysborough spearheads Matthew Carnelley and Chris Bryan as led their side to a 100-point thumping of Chelsea Heights at Keysborough Reserve.
The Heighters were no match for the Burra, who booted 11 goals in the first half, with Tom Siposs and ruckman Bryce Sutton dominant throughout the game.
Caulfield remains just outside the top five following a strong 52-point victory against Skye at Koornang Park.
The Bears drew ahead early in the contest with nine goals in the first half setting up the win, with four majors each from Joel Becker and Matt Acocks the big contributions.
A staggering second quarter revival from Murrumbeena has spurred it to a decisive 51-point defeat of Doveton Eagles at the Beena Arena.
The hosts trailed by 43 points at the first break after being held to just four behinds before unbelievably drawing ahead by a point at the main break.
Luke James was at his outstanding best with eight goals and was best on ground.
Hampton has tightened its grip on fifth spot on the ladder following a solid 28-point win against Heatherton at Ross Street Reserve.
Going into the match as favourites, the Hammers were unable to shrug off a gallant Tunners outfit, but were able to secure the win with a four-goal final term with Luke Hayes and Jake Timms among the best.
A 12-goal combination from Springvale Districts duo Stefan Feehan and Matt Wetering has steered their side to a 139-point belting of East Brighton.
The pair were utterly unstoppable as the hosts made quick work of the Vampires with Matt Thompson and Matt Ork named their best.
DIVISION 3
Clayton has held on to defeat Ashwood by four points in a thrilling finish at Meade Reserve, giving the Clays their fourth win in six games.
The visitors led by 34 points at three quarter time at Essex Heights Reserve, before a five-goal final term from the hosts had hearts in mouths before the final siren sounded.
Jesse Henderson and Glenn Tuckwell were named Clayton’s best with former coach Jayden Gilmour slotting three goals.
Black Rock slots back into the top four after a final quarter burst resulted in a 21-point win against Cerberus at McAuliffe Oval.
The two sides were separated by just a solitary point going into the final break, before the Rockers piled on three goals in the last to secure the four points.
Darcy O’Brien put together his best game for the season in a best afield performance for the victors alongside Michael Spohn.
Hampton Park stamped itself as heavy premiership favourites after dispatching second ranked Endeavour Hills to the tune of 45 points.
The Redbacks were solid across the four quarters, but an eight-goal second half was enough to get the job done.
Travis Davis and Cameron Williamson each kicked three goals for the ladder leaders, while Cory Phillips was best afield.
DIVISION 4
Carrum Patterson Lakes is back on the winners list after completing a 20-point comeback in a thrilling contest against Lyndale.
Playing on the road, the visitors trailed at the final break, but kicked 4.6 to 1.2 in the final term to snatch victory from the Pumas’ grasp.
Alex Wilson put on a masterclass inside 50, booting eight of Carrum Patterson Lakes’ nine goals while Tristan Curtis was best afield.
Lyndhurst maintains its grip on top spot on the ladder, comfortably account for Dandenong at Marriott Waters Reserve.
The Lightning were too strong throughout the game, with Hamish Browning producing a stunning six-goal haul with strong performances from David Ford and Kayne Wyborn.
Five goals from Jarod Sullivan has lifted Frankston Dolphins to its fifth win of the season, defeating Hallam by 47 points.
The second ranked side were inaccurate in front of goal throughout the contest, but were able to generate 31 attempts at goal, with Matt Pascazio and Sam Turner were their best.
Dean Webb stood out for the vanquished Hawks.
South Yarra has shown it has what it takes to be a dark horse premiership contender with a resounding 51-point win against Moorabbin at Widdop Crescent Reserve.
The two sides were separated by just 22 points at half time, before the Lions slammed home eight goals to two in the second half, with Eamon Hanney and Jack Callaway combining for eight.
