ANZAC Round Review
SFNL ANZAC Round Review
As the country, in and outside of footy, remembered the courage and mateship of our veterans and those currently serving, across the SFNL, players and teams had those same qualities at the front of their minds whilst on the field.
The occasion brought the best out of the competition, with some unbelievable performances and late game heroics across all divisions.
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Division 1 Men’s
Dingley 7.15 (57) def Narre Warren 5.16 (46)
Dingley remain the only unbeaten side in Division 1, but their 7.15 (57) to 5.16 (46) win over Narre Warren was built on composure, not control.
Despite losing the clearance count by 17, the Dingoes were far cleaner with ball in hand, going at 73% disposal efficiency and scoring 47 points from turnover to Narre’s 21. Jacob Duscher again set the tone with his ball use, while Kristen Feehan produced one of the performances of the season with 37 disposals and 19 marks across half-back, consistently intercepting and launching attacks.
Coach Zac Horsbey has been focused on evolving how his side scores. “We just tried to change the way we scored… different types of speed going in. We try and play with some gears,” he said, a shift that was evident as Dingley absorbed pressure before striking with their signature style that is often the most effective in the comp.
Cheltenham 22.15 (147) def Bentleigh 11.14 (80)
Cheltenham produced the most dominant individual and team performances of the round, dismantling Bentleigh 22.15 (147) to 11.14 (80).
Jacob Edwards (33 disposals, 28 hitouts, 4 clearances, 2 goals) was immense through the middle, while Rex Kilburn (34 disposals, 17 kicks, 4 goals) combined volume with scoreboard impact. Alec McComb (28 disposals, 2 goals) and Austin Johnson (33 disposals) added to a midfield that simply overwhelmed Bentleigh.
The Rosellas controlled the game with +83 disposals and +41 marks, but it was their ability to punish turnovers that broke the game open. Bentleigh had contributors, led by Caleb Sheehan (29 disposals), but were completely overrun structurally.
Springvale Districts 14.10 (94) def Cranbourne 14.8 (92)
Springvale Districts’ new recruits are already proving decisive, edging Cranbourne 14.10 (94) to 14.8 (92).
Erishmilian Uthayakumar delivered the standout individual performance of the round, kicking six goals, including the final two for his side, the last of which was a composed gather and dribble finish inside the final minutes to take the lead. He was supported by a dominant midfield unit, with multiple players pushing 25+ disposals, as Springvale won the clearance count by 26.
Despite being significantly less efficient (66% to 75%), their contested dominance and repeat stoppage wins ensured they controlled the game when it mattered.
Hampton Park 18.18 (126) def Port Melbourne Colts 13.12 (90)
Hampton Park broke through for their first win of the season in commanding fashion, defeating Port Melbourne 18.18 (126) to 13.12 (90).
The Redbacks’ ruck dominance set the tone, winning hitouts 85–22, translating into a +10 clearance advantage and +13 inside 50s. Liam Myatt (30 disposals) and Todd Trevena (17 disposals, 4 goals) were central to the win, combining midfield control with scoreboard impact.
Port Melbourne found contributors of their own, with Jed Smithies (29 disposals) and Ben Simpson (28 disposals) battling hard, but they couldn’t stem the flow.
Murrumbeena 11.12 (78) drew St Paul’s McKinnon 11.12 (78)
Murrumbeena and St Paul’s McKinnon played out a draw, 11.12 (78) apiece, in a game defined by contrasting styles.
Murrumbeena’s midfield, led by Eddie Adams (30 disposals) and Will Ford (17 disposals), controlled the contest (+15 clearances), while St Paul’s relied on possession and structure, highlighted by Thomas Howard (33 disposals) and Matthew Keyte (30 disposals).
Despite Murrumbeena’s superior efficiency (75%), they couldn’t convert their dominance, with St Paul’s slotting a late behind to secure the draw.
Top Players of the Round
Erishmilian Uthayakumar (Springvale Districts) – 6 goals
Kristen Feehan (Dingley) – 37 disposals, 19 marks
Jacob Edwards (Cheltenham) – 33 disposals, 28 hitouts, 4 clearances, 2 goals
Rex Kilburn (Cheltenham) – 34 disposals, 4 goals
Todd Trevena (Hampton Park) – 17 disposals, 4 goals
Division 2 Men’s
Mordialloc (5.9) 39 def Chelsea Heights (5.4) 34
It wasn’t pretty, but it was crucial. Mordialloc grind out a five-point win to stay undefeated and keep pace with Highett at the top. In a genuine arm wrestle, scoring dried up after half time, but the Bloods did just enough late to hold off Chelsea Heights, who now slip further into the mid-table logjam at 1–2.
Caulfield (17.11) 113 def Keysborough (17.9) 111
The Game of the round. Caulfield kicked the last three goals to steal it and breathe life into their season, while Keysborough are left wondering how they let it slip. Bears move to 1–2 and stay in touch, while the Burras drop to the same record despite a monster seven-goal performance from skipper Ethan Bakes.
Frankston Dolphins (20.22) 142 def East Brighton (5.9) 39
Pure dominance from Frankston, who flexed their scoring power to rocket into the top four. The Dolphins had 65 inside 50s to 36 and made it count on the scoreboard, piling on 20 goals. Kain Stratton led the way with five, while East Brighton remain winless and anchored to the bottom.
East Malvern (16.20) 116 def Doveton (4.5) 29
A percentage booster and a statement. East Malvern completely controlled the game, doubling Doveton’s inside 50 count (68–33) as they surge into the top three. Isaac Morrisby finished with five goals, continuing his strong form, while the Doves’ percentage takes a serious hit despite sitting just outside the four.
Highett (11.14) 80 def Hampton (7.7) 49
The Bulldogs keep rolling. Highett improve to 3–0 and tighten their grip on top spot, with a controlled 31-point win over Hampton. It wasn’t flashy, but it was efficient — the benchmark side of the comp right now. Hampton remain winless and are already playing catch-up on the ladder.
Top Goalkickers
Ethan Bakes (Keysborough) – 7
Isaac Morrisby (East Malvern) – 5
Kain Stratton (Frankston) – 5
Jake Benoiton (Caulfield) – 5
Dylan Smith (Keysborough) – 2
Division 3 Men’s
Skye (12.11) 83 def Carrum Patterson Lakes (7.15) 57
Skye bank win number two with a solid result, pulling away after half time to get the job done. Carrum Patterson Lakes stayed in it early but couldn’t capitalise on their chances, and it cost them. Skye now sit in the top four, looking to make some noise for the rest of the season.
Heatherton (19.11) 125 def Black Rock (14.8) 92
The benchmark stands tall again. Heatherton’s player-coach Damien Johns saw his side overcome an early five-goal deficit to storm home and remain undefeated, a response he labelled “really encouraging” after being challenged for the first time this season.
Johns credited the turnaround to the group’s focus on “attitude, effort and trademarks,” with the club’s pre-season work now starting to “come to fruition.”
Joel Cusack - player coach alongside Johns - continues to dominate the division, backing up 11 goals last week with another seven, and even with heavy attention, Johns admitted “I don’t think it’s going to stop him in any shape or form.”
St Kilda City (14.15) 99 def Berwick Springs (12.14) 86
Three from three for St Kilda City, but this one made them earn it. Although it was a tight contest all day, they found enough late to secure the 13-point win. Lachlan Harris led from the front with four goals as their unbeaten start rolls on.
Endeavour Hills (22.19) 151 def Hallam (4.6) 30
Total demolition. Endeavour Hills piled on the biggest score of the round, dominating from the outset in a 121-point statement. Samuel Delosa was unstoppable with nine goals in a performance that puts the competition on notice. Hallam remain winless and searching.
Lyndhurst (14.15) 99 def South Mornington (10.8) 68
Lyndhurst’s ball movement was strong, their finishing wasn’t — but it didn’t matter. Despite inaccuracy, they controlled the game and ran out 31-point winners. The upside is clear: clean that up and they’re a serious threat.
Top Goalkickers
Samuel Delosa (Endeavour Hills) – 9
Joel Cusack (Heatherton) – 7
Lachlan Harris (St Kilda City) – 4
Louis Corless (St Kilda City) – 4
Jack Hazelwood (Lyndhurst) – 3
Division 4 Men’s
Dandenong West Seniors 18.11 (119) def Ashwood Seniors 6.4 (40)
Dandenong West continue to set the pace, remaining unbeaten alongside St John’s OC after a commanding 79-point win over Ashwood. The result further strengthens their grip on top spot, with Coren Gilliam leading the way with five goals.
Narre South Saints Seniors 6.13 (49) def Clayton Seniors 4.13 (37)
Narre South got their first win of the season on the board in a tough, low-scoring contest against Clayton. Both sides found it difficult in front of goal, but the Saints did enough to break through and get their season underway.
Lyndale Seniors 19.13 (127) def Moorabbin Kangaroos Seniors 10.8 (68)
Lyndale recorded their first win of the season in emphatic fashion, knocking off Moorabbin by 59 points. Mitchell Gibson and Ahmed Kandakji were dominant inside 50, each finishing with six goals in a big statement performance.
St John’s OC Seniors 17.19 (121) def Doveton Eagles Seniors 9.6 (60)
St John’s OC continue to be the story of the early season, remaining undefeated in their first year in the competition alongside Dandenong West. They proved too strong for Doveton, running out 61-point winners, with Joshua Mourant finishing with three goals in the win.
Top Goalkickers
Mitchell Gibson (Lyndale) – 6
Ahmed Kandakji (Lyndale) – 6
Coren Gilliam (Dandenong West) – 5
Joshua Mourant (St John’s OC) – 3
Leigh Tannahill (Doveton Eagles) – 3
Division 1 Women’s
A clear early pecking order is forming, with Bentleigh setting the pace as the only undefeated side while others try to keep touch.
Murrumbeena Women’s 1 8.16 (64) def Narre South Saints Women’s 2.3 (15)
Murrumbeena carried last week’s momentum straight into this one, breaking the game open with a dominant second term and never letting Narre South back in. Charlotte Trewarn continued her red-hot start with three goals, quickly emerging as the early goalkicking leader.
Casey Thunder Women’s 1 11.11 (77) def Black Rock Women’s 1.2 (8)
A complete performance from Casey Thunder, who controlled the game from start to finish. Lana Fullwood was the standout with a six-goal haul in a dominant forward display, leading Casey to their second win of the season.
Bentleigh Women’s 9.7 (61) def Endeavour Hills Women’s 1 4.3 (27)
The statement result of the round. Bentleigh took down reigning premiers Endeavour Hills with a composed performance, taking control early and holding it throughout. They now sit as the only undefeated side after three rounds, signalling a shift at the top of the competition.
Top 5 Goalkickers
Lana Fullwood (Casey Thunder) – 6
Katherine Harrak (Bentleigh) – 5
Charlotte Trewarn (Murrumbeena) – 3
Emily Sainty (Murrumbeena) – 2
Mia Fortune (Murrumbeena) – 2
Division 2 Women’s
Division 2 Women’s
Still early days in Division 2, but a few sides are beginning to separate, with Mordialloc setting the early benchmark.
Hallam Women’s 10.11 (71) def Endeavour Hills Women’s 2 3.2 (20)
A statement win from Hallam, who broke through for their first victory of the season in dominant fashion. After a tight opening, they took control and piled on the scoreboard pressure, putting themselves right back in the mix.
Narre Warren Women’s 3.7 (25) def Clayton Women’s 3.1 (19)
A tight, low-scoring contest that could’ve gone either way, but Narre Warren did enough to get over the line. The six-point win keeps them firmly in touch with the top sides as they look to establish themselves as a genuine contender.
Mordialloc Women’s 1 6.13 (49) def Chelsea Heights Women’s 4.0 (24)
Mordialloc continue to set the pace, becoming the first side to reach three wins with a solid 25-point victory. They controlled the game across four quarters and now sit clearly as the team to beat early in the season.
Top Goalkickers
Ciena O’Flaherty (Hallam) – 3
Sharon Kirkpatrick (Hallam) – 3
Rachael Hunt (Casey Thunder) – 2
Caitlyn Roden (Chelsea Heights) – 2
Jemma Gray (Mordialloc) – 2
Division 3 Women’s
A couple of dominant performances headline Division 3, with Dandenong West emerging as the early team to beat while Mordialloc’s depth continues to shine.
Dandenong West Women’s 13.12 (90) def Officer Women’s 2.2 (14)
A complete domination from Dandenong West, who controlled the game from start to finish to remain undefeated through three rounds. Vanessa Fudalinski led the charge with three goals in a strong team performance that underlines their early premiership credentials.
Mordialloc Women’s 2 6.5 (41) def St Kilda City Women’s 4.4 (28)
Mordialloc’s second side continues to impress, making it two wins on the season with a composed victory. Natalie Cardamone added another three goals to her tally, maintaining her position as the competition’s leading goalkicker in a consistently strong start to the year.
Clyde Women’s def Casey Thunder Women’s 2 (forfeit)
Top 5 Goalkickers
Vanessa Fudalinski (Dandenong West) – 3
Natalie Cardamone (Mordialloc) – 3
Grace McPhee (Dandenong West) – 2
Demi-Lee Devlin (Dandenong West) – 2
Christina Chan (Dandenong West) – 2
