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Division 1 – Gameday Mouthguards Round 3 Review
With Good Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
They say a week is a long time in footy, but five days evidently isn’t long enough.
ANZAC Day combatants East Malvern and Clayton were both hampered by a five-day turnaround from their clash on Monday and consequently suffered disappointing defeats on a blustery Saturday afternoon.
MORDIALLOC vs EAST MALVERN
Mordialloc made full use of the breeze in the first quarter, booting six unanswered goals to open up a commanding 40-point buffer over the Panthers at the first change.
From there the Bloods were never headed on their way to a convincing 11.11 (77) to 2.9 (21) victory over the Panthers at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.
East Malvern were let down by poor execution and couldn’t really get any flow to their performance, while the home side were more polished in every facet, which ultimately proved the difference.
Mordi defender Josh Jewell did a great job on the dangerous Mark Ryan, while Luke Barnhoorn and Justin Summons were also conspicuous.
Todd Bastion and Nathan Robinson went head to head in the middle for most of the day in what proved to be a captivating duel. The honours were shared on this occasion and both figured among their respective side’s best.
OAKLEIGH DISTRICT vs CLAYTON
The Clays were similarly slow out of the blocks, allowing Oakleigh District to race to a five-goal quarter time advantage at Princes Highway Reserve.
The visitors fought tooth and nail to claw their way back into the contest, and it was anybody’s game after half time. However, Clayton ultimately came up 10 points short, 12.14 (86) to the District’s 14.12 (96).
The win is the Oaks’ third in succession, with Pat Carroll again a pillar of strength at centre half back. Luke Casey and Brent Crawley also made solid contribution in the victory, while Dave Velardo booted four majors.
Clayton star Andy Ray was again a shining light, and clearly their best with a dazzling display that included three goals. Coach Nick Scanlon also booted three.
BENTLEIGH vs ST KILDA CITY
Bentleigh also remain undefeated after holding out a fast-finishing St Kilda City in a thriller at Bentleigh Reserve, 8.12 (60) to 8.6 (54).
The Demons butchered their chances to put the result beyond doubt in the third term, registering a wasteful 3.9.
The 23-point margin at the final change left the door ajar for an improbable Saints comeback, a result that very nearly eventuated. However, Bentleigh held on for dear life and narrowly escaped with the four points after a pulsating final few minutes.
Full back Justin Hall was outstanding on young Ayang Nyanjok all day, and his leadership and coolness under pressure was invaluable in the tense final term. Captain Scotty Lawry was also at his scintillating best, while Jackson Meredith and Pat Nicholls had an impact on the scoreboard.
Saints skipper Ricky Thomson played one of his best games for the club, while Vinh Dang and Jackson O’Hehir-Vargas were also prominent.
DINGLEY vs CHELTENHAM
Meanwhile Dingley continued its unbeaten start to the year following a 11.12 (78) to 7.10 (52) triumph over a plucky Cheltenham at Souter Oval.
It was one-way traffic early on with the Dingoes booting eight of the first nine goals of the game, and it looked like a 100-plus point demolition was on the cards.
It took until the 18-minute mark of the third term for the Rosellas to register their second goal of the game and from that point on they showed plenty of spirit in reducing the final margin to a respectable 26 points.
Reigning Division 1 Reserve MVP Kane Davidson has enjoyed an extended run in the senior squad this season and the speedster claimed best afield honours with yet another sparkling performance on the ball. Ruckman Stu Cleeve also worked hard for the winners, as did Matt Morwood and Trav La Rocca.
Chris Graham made a welcome return to side and was named their best ahead of Anthony Milesi and Chris Neophitou.
ST PAULS vs EAST BRIGHTON
The final game was a blowout at the Kennel with the Dogs thrashing East Brighton 19.17 (131) to 3.4 (22).
St Pauls had winners on every line and extended their lead at every change. The mercurial Callum Cathcart did as he pleased for most of the afternoon, while big man Nick Shannon topped the goal scorers list with four.
Justin Berry also marked his return from injury with three goals.
Veterans Barry Hope and Mark Jamieson led the resistance for the Vampires.
[caption id="attachment_11177" align="aligncenter" width="602"]
PHOTO CREDIT: Everard Fenton, Momento Sports[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_11178" align="aligncenter" width="602"]
PHOTO CREDIT: Everard Fenton, Momento Sports[/caption]
Photos from the St Pauls V East Brighton Game can be purchased HERE.
Division 2 – Gameday Mouthguards Round 4 Review
With Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
The Southern Football Netball League Division 2 season is well underway and the ladder is beginning to take shape after four rounds of footy.
Chelsea Heights 13.12 (90) def Hampton 10.7 (67)
The Heighters made it two wins from three games to start the season with a hard fought win over Hampton. Phil Smith bagged five goals in his first game for the year while Michael Danckert was named best on ground. The Demons had to overcome a three-point deficit at half time but nine goals to four in the second half sealed their victory. Justin Isaac was the best player for Hampton with six goals.
Skye 12.7 (79) def Caulfield 10.14 (74)
The Bombers got some slight revenge on the Bears after last year’s Elimination Final and they did so off the back of an outstanding first quarter. Skye kicked five goals in the opening term but was quickly reeled in by Caulfield in the second term to trail by four points at the main break. The Bombers broke away again in the third quarter before holding on for the victory in a fast and furious final quarter.
Keysborough 14.7 (91) def Heatherton 11.9 (75)
Keysborough got a much needed win when it defeated Heatherton at home. Playing in a different role, Will Gayfer excelled as a forward kicking four goals while Daniel Morland was named best on ground for the victors. The Burra sealed the win with a seven goal third quarter which gave them a 37-point lead at the final change. The Tonners fought hard in the final term but were unable to reel their opponents in. Matt Van Schajik continued his good form in front of goal with four majors.
Murrumbeena 13.18 (98) def Black Rock 10.8 (68)
The Beena are finally on the board with their first win of the season but it took a strong second half to get them over the line. Captain Mitch Walder bagged five goals in an excellent performance alongside Anthony Ekberg-Weiss who bagged four goals. The scores were tied at half time but Murrumbeena was able to pull away in the second half, kicking nine goals to five though inaccurate kicking cost them a bigger victory. Tim Hunter was the Jets’ best goal kicker with three majors.
Port Melbourne 11.13 (79) def Highett 8.6 (54)
Port Melbourne’s undefeated start to the season continued but it was made to work for it by a tough Highett team. Mitch Clark bagged four goals while Nathan Spinks was best on ground in the win, which saw the Colts pull away with a six goal to three second half. Port Melbourne led by seven points at the main break but kicked five goals to one in the third quarter to secure the victory. Pat Singh was best on ground for the Dogs.
[caption id="attachment_11179" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
PHOTO CREDIT: Everard Fenton, Momento Sports[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_11180" align="aligncenter" width="599"]
PHOTO CREDIT: Everard Fenton, Momento Sports[/caption]
Photos from the Highett V Port Colts game can be purchased HERE.
Division 3 – Gameday Mouthguards Round 4 Review
With Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Hallam 13.6 (84) def South Yarra 7.11 (53)
Hallam again impressed with a 31-point victory over South Yarra. The Hawks made it four consecutive wins and showed great accuracy. The Lions had just one less scoring shot.
The Hawks swooped on second spot on the ladder and are one of just two unbeaten teams.
Ruckman Jayden Bubb was influential for Hallam for the second week in a row, contributing a couple of majors.
Hawks' forward Shane Thomas took his 2016 goal tally to 15 with four more, and Manny Peresso continued his excellent start to the season, being named the winner’s best.
Sandown 7.6 (48) def by Moorabbin 14.16 (100)
Sandown responded to its disappointing start to 2016, jumping to a 19-point lead at quarter time against Moorabbin.
The Kangaroos worked their way into the game in the second term, not allowing the Cobras any goals, whilst booting four of their own.
This resulted in an eight-point Moorabbin lead at the long break.
The Kangaroos had too much class in the second half and ran away with the game by 52 points.
Ruckman, Zdenek Hostalek impressed with three goals for Moorabbin and was named his side's second best player, behind Chris Baum.
Endeavour Hills 12.14 (86) def by Lyndale 16.11 (107)
Trevor Kumetaitis was again the major goal scorer for Lyndale with five, as the Pumas got the better of Endeavour Hills.
It was close most of the day, with just a three-point lead to the Pumas at half time.
This increased to 16 at the final change and Lyndale's winning margin was 21 points.
Daniel Wilson was named the Pumas' best player.
Mount Waverley 21.18 (144) def Doveton Eagles 12.12 (84)
Visitor Doveton was in the contest until a devastating third term from Mount Waverley.
The Mountain Lions clipped the Eagles' wings with a stunning ten goal to one quarter. The margin ballooned to 55 points at the last change.
Mount Waverley continued its imposing start to the season with a ten-goal win.
With Mountain Lions' ruckman Ben Beecroft playing in the reserves, Jarrod Wilkin took on the role against the Eagles.
He had an eventful day, receiving a green card at one stage for an infringement in the ruck, but bounced back to be best on ground.
His teammate, Chris Jeffries celebrated his 200th game with a four-goal performance.
Undoubtedly Doveton missed leading goal kicker, Peter Dye who missed the match with knee soreness.
The Eagles were also without several other players, including Nick Beer who broke his collarbone the previous week.
For all that, it was an impressive performance by the Mountain Lions.
Listen to the radio team's commentary of the Mount Waverley V Doveton Eagles game HERE.
Carrum Patterson Lakes 10.15 (75) def by Lyndhurst 15.6 (96)
Carrum Patterson Lakes managed its best performance of the season, winning the last quarter against Lyndhurst. But Lightning won by 21 points.
Lyndhurst maintained its unbeaten away record, however, the side is yet to taste a home win.
David Ford was Lyndhurst's best player, and Nathan Powell led Lightning’s goal kicking with four.
Dandenong 4.8 (32) def by Ashwood 21.17 (143)
Dale Carroll put through six goals for Ashwood, a couple more than Dandenong’s team managed.
Dandenong was unable to contain Jake Chapman, as the speedy Magpie earned best on ground status, and managed a couple of goals.
Ashwood enjoyed a handy percentage boost as it won by a whopping 111 points.
Under 19 – Gameday Mouthguards Round 3 Review
With Alex Charles
@charlesy93
Oakleigh District 8.9 (57)
def by Hampton 9.7 (61)
Hallam 2.8 (20)
def by St Kilda City 10.11 (71)
Carrum Patterson Lakes 1.2 (8)
def by St Pauls 26.22 (178)
Endeavour Hills 22.17 (149) defeated Highett 1.0 (6)
Dingley 5.3 (33)
def by Cheltenham 12.10 (82)
BYE - East Brighton-Bentleigh
Three rounds down and plenty to go. There are three undefeated sides left after the weekend’s games and the frontrunners are beginning to emerge.
Hampton survived a huge scare in their trip against Oakleigh District. The contest was heated throughout the first half as Oakleigh’s pressure ensured the early advantage. Despite this, the Hammers responded during the third quarter to overturn the deficit on their way to an 18-point lead at three quarter time. The final quarter was ultimately one of the best in the competition’s history, as Oakleigh surged back into contention, only to fall short by four points. Amongst the chaos and intensity, we learned both teams have finals credentials this season.
Hallam faced St Kilda – and barring a draw – one of the sides was set to lose their first game of the season. The game was viewed with interest as onlookers at the Hallam Reserve were treated to an extremely competitive and uncompromising opening quarter. Neither side was able to kick a goal with the Hawks leading by one point. However, the Saints put together a fantastic second term to eliminate Hallam’s spirit as they kicked seven goals on their way to a 43-point margin at the main break. A sloppy third quarter failed to slow the Saints down as they remained undefeated after the 51-point win.
Additionally, Carrum continued their return to the competition with another difficult fixture against St Pauls. The Lions were never able to get into the game but fought the match out until the end, while the Bulldogs showed their class, managing to amass a huge score of 26.22.178 to win by 170 points. The Dogs had 10 different goal scorers for the third time in as many games this season and are well and truly the in-form side of the competition.
Another new entrant to the competition over the past few years, Endeavour Hills, registered their first win in the Under 19s over Highett. The Falcons won by 143 points in a well-rounded team effort, kicking 22 goals and keeping the opposition to only one. The win was underpinned by a fantastic second half display as Endeavour Hills booted 16 goals to 0 – leaving Highett at the bottom end of the table with the likes of Carrum, East Brighton-Bentleigh and Dingley.
The Vampires received the bye leaving only one fixture between Dingley and Cheltenham to be played. The Dingoes have had a difficult opening two games and were looking to get their season moving in a positive direction. They managed to do so across the opening three quarters, ultimately trailing by one point heading into the last. Then, after failing to trouble the scorers during the first, Cheltenham outscored Dingley 48-0 in one of the best quarters of football a team has produced in recent times to ensure a 49-point win. The result leaves Dingley winless and in the bottom four while Cheltenham will be feeling reasonably comfortable sitting fifth on the ladder with a 2-1 win-loss record.
