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DIVISION 1
BEYONDBLUE ROUND 10 REVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
St Pauls 12.8 (80) def Bentleigh 10.9 (69)
The Doggies’ Cinderella story has continued, narrowly defeating fierce local rivals Bentleigh by 11 points in one of the best games of the season.
The massive crowd that flocked to McKinnon Reserve were treated to a free-flowing, see-sawing encounter, with the win ensuring St Pauls took home the 2017 beyondblue Cup.
St Pauls made full use of the strong breeze favouring the southern end of the ground in the opening quarter, and led by two goals at the first change. However, the Demons returned serve in the second with five majors to swing the match in their favour.
When the experienced Scott Lawry goaled at the four-minute mark of the third term, the visitors lead was extended to 20 points, and the match seemed to be slipping from the Dogs’ grasp. Enter spearhead Steve Muller, whose four goals in nine minutes put the hosts back in front.
Clinging to a four-point lead at the final change, the Dogs needed a big effort to prevent Bentleigh from running away with the match with the wind in the last quarter. And that is exactly what they delivered, with two last quarter goals taking the wind out of the Demons’ sails.
Muller was clearly the most influential player on the ground, plucking several great contested marks and finishing with nine of his team’s 12 goals for the day.
Matthew Brown booted the other three and impressed around the ground, while Brad Gilder and Rhys Peet were similarly influential. Young defender Will Clarke was also outstanding down back.
Demons ruckman Mitchell Smart was a dominant force in the air all afternoon, while Kayne O’Brien and Brody Lawford were prolific through the midfield.
Mordialloc 19.11 (125) def East Malvern 7.5 (47)
The Bloods have asserted its premiership favouritism with a phenomenal 78-point drubbing of East Malvern at Ben Kavanagh Reserve
A strong opening stanza had Mordialloc on top early, but it was the premiership quarter in which they really stamped their authority on the game. A devastating 25 minutes of football saw the hosts keep the Panthers scoreless, while adding seven goals themselves to ensure they enjoyed an insurmountable lead at the final change.
Simon Fragiacomo produced a dazzling best afield display, and provided plenty of run and drive off the half back line. However, he had strong support in Jordan Derbyshire and Jaydan Gregory, while James Morris and Steve Tolongs combined for nine goals.
Ryan Mullett (two goals) and Matt Terech were industrious all day in what was a tough afternoon for the Panthers.
Cheltenham 8.6 (54) def by Dingley 19.9 (123)
A blistering second half has seen the Dingoes thrash a disappointing Cheltenham by 69 points at Jack Barker Oval.
The Rosellas were competitive in the first half, sitting just 15 points adrift of the Dingoes at the major break, and a tough battled was expected upon the resumption.
That never eventuated, with Cheltenham registering just one more goal for the remainder of the day in a half of football they would rather forget.
Dingley simply did as they pleased, and with co-captain Jack Peet and winger Josh Ferguson running rampant through the middle, they booted the last eight goals of the match to put a dent in the Rosellas’ finals chances.
Cal McQueen and Danny Ades were prolific up forward for the winners with seven goals between them.
James North, Jack Barclay and Jack Worrall were among Cheltenham’s best.
St Kilda City 10.14 (74) def Port Melbourne Colts 4.5 (29)
The Saints avenged their Round 1 loss to the Colts with a 45-point victory in their return bout at the Peanut Farm.
The game again proved to be a tight and low-scoring arm wrestle for most of the afternoon, with the two sides separated by just eight points at three quarter time. However, the Saints took control in the final stanza, booting six unanswered goals with the wind to blow Port out of the water.
Jack Williams and Malcolm Neiwand were the stars for City, while Carl Peterson also stood out with three majors.
Jackson Brown contributed three of the Colts’ four goals, while Jake Wood fought hard all day.
Clayton 5.3 (33) def by Oakleigh District 23.15 (153)
Oakleigh District have snapped a four-game losing streak with a 20-goal demolition of Clayton at Meade Reserve.
The Clays showed signs of improvement in the first half, booting four majors to be within 28 points at the major break, but a second-half fade out allowed the Districts to bang on 11 goals in the final term.
Jake Mullen was simply unstoppable up forward with nine goals, including four in their last quarter blitz, while Cory Hutchinson and Nuru Jammeh also shone.
Jack McEwin did his chances of claiming Clayton’s Best & Fairest no harm with another standout performance.
DIVISION 2
BEYONDBLUE ROUND 12 REVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
Murrumbeena was a huge winner in Round 12 of Division 2 action, doing what no other team has been able to do so far this season – knock off Chelsea Heights.
Murrumbeena 8.13 (61) def Chelsea Heights 8.11 (59)
A thrilling match from start to finish has resulted in the upset of the season, as Murrumbeena knocked off the previously undefeated ladder leaders in Chelsea Heights by two points.
The Beena led by eight points at the final change and held off a charging Heighters outfit, who outscored them during the final term.
Michael Kinsella was the hero with four goals for Murrumbeena, while Chris Evans and Liam Wilson starred across the ground.
Murrumbeena got off to an excellent start, booting five goals in the first term to lead by 21 points, before Chelsea Heights hit back with four goals to one in the second, to lead by a point at the main break.
The Beena were able to sneak ahead during the third term by eight points, courtesy of the only goal of the stanza, before holding off a fast finishing Heighters to win by two.
Phil Smith kicked three goals for Chelsea Heights while Lachlan Dobson was named its best.
Skye 15.11 (101) def East Brighton 7.6 (48)
A scintillating first half has spurred Skye back into form against East Brighton, resulting in a 53-point win and within percentage of a top three spot.
Ben Evans and Stephen Hawkins combined for seven goals for the Bombers, while James Bateman and Jess Elms were in strong form.
A low scoring opening term saw only one goal scored with Skye leading by seven points, before clicking into gear in the second, booting seven goals to one behind to lead by 52 at the main break.
East Brighton was finally able to hit the scoreboard with four goals in the third, reducing the margin to 46 points, before Skye put the final nail in the coffin in the last, with another four goals to win by 53.
Barry Hope and Kai Love-Linay were named the Vampires’ best.
Keysborough 13.15 (93) def Highett 8.10 (58)
Keysborough has moved two games clear in second spot on the ladder following a commanding 35-point win against Highett.
The Burra led by just three points at the half time interval, but slammed on 10 goals to five in the second half to set up the win.
Cory Hargreaves and Riet Pal combined to kick seven majors in the win while Jacob Bakes and Matt Haines were also impressive.
After opening up an eight-point lead by quarter time, Keysborough failed to capitalise in the second, as Highett cut the lead back to three points at half time.
The Burra switched back into action during the second half, kicking four goals in the third before another six in the last to go on to a 35-point triumph.
Tom Brown and Jack Prosser (two goals) were named the Dogs’ best.
Mount Waverley 12.10 (82) def Hampton 4.9 (33)
Mount Waverley roared back into finals contention with a convincing 49-point victory against Hampton at the Toolbox.
The victory comes off the back of one of the better first quarters you’ll see, which saw the Lions boot eight goals to one behind and lead by 51 points.
Alex Mullucks put together one of his best games of the season with five goals while Michael Keem was in sensational form.
Mount Waverley got off to the best possible start with eight goals in the first, but was unable to capitalise in the second, as Hampton cut the lead to 39 points.
The Lions got back on top during the third term, kicking two goals to one to lead by 44 before finishing off with another two in the last to win by 49.
Luke Chevalier (three goals) and Guy Timms were Hampton’s best.
Springvale Districts 11.11 (77) def Heatherton 4.7 (31)
Springvale Districts ensured it remains in the hunt for a spot in the top five with a strong 46-point win against Heatherton.
The Districts led by 14 points at half time, but were able to add eight goals to three in the second half to run away with the win.
Jack Allender and Tristan Potts were in excellent form for the winners and were named best on ground while Stefan Feehan booted three goals.
The Districts drew ahead in the first half, kicking three goals to one to take a 14-point lead at half time.
Springvale broke away during the second half, kicking three goals in the third and five goals in the last to come out with a 46-point win.
Jarryd Cox (two goals) was best on ground for the Tonners alongside Reagan Maddaford.
DIVISION 3
BEYONDBLUE ROUND 11 REVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
Lyndale 6.6 (42) def by Endeavour Hills 11.15 (81)
Endeavour Hills led Lyndale by just a goal with a quarter remaining.
It could have been a greater advantage but for some Falcons’ inaccuracy.
The prospect of an exciting finish evaporated as Lyndale failed to score in the last stanza.
Endeavour Hills won by 39 points with Ben Moriarty its best.
Falcon, Daniel Morrison slotted three majors.
Sandown 3.10 (28) def by Black Rock 19.12 (126)
Although predictably outclassed for most of the day, Sandown showed character, narrowly outscoring Black Rock in the final term.
The Jets still prevailed by 98 points, moving to sixth on the ladder.
Kristian Bliesner booted nine goals for the winner, but surprisingly wasn’t named his side’s best player.
Daniel Kick seized that honour.
Dandenong 8.8 (56) def by Moorabbin 14.18 (102)
Dylan Bone’s four majors helped Moorabbin to a comfortable 46-point win over Dandenong.
The Redlegs were tormented by talented Kangaroo Damian Armansin, who was the winner’s best player.
Hallam 10.9 (69) def South Yarra 4.7 (31)
Uncompromising effort from both teams had Hallam and South Yarra level on the scoreboard at quarter time.
Hawk Matt Neve and the Yarras’ Shaheen Merchant kicked the only two goals of the term.
A low-scoring, enthralling tussle appeared likely.
That illusion was rapidly dispelled as Hallam launched a destructive second-term assault.
The Hawks added 5.6 to zero to take a half time stranglehold on the match.
They remained in control after the break, winning by 38 points.
Hallam coach Scott Slater felt the scoreboard failed to convey the intensity of the match.
“It was a really hard-fought contest in close,” he said.
Slater was impressed with the effort of young recruit Matija Sigeti at fullback.
Although Sigeti completed the pre-season with the Hawks, he has been playing in the Alberton Football Netball League.
Matt Neve and Shane Thomas contributed three goals a piece to the win.
Neve was stiff not to get a mention on the Hawks’ best players list. He provided plenty of spark and created opportunities for teammates.
Daniel Atkin was named Hallam’s best.
Doveton Eagles 16.12 (108) def Ashwood 8.7 (55)
Doveton made it two losses in a row for Ashwood.
The Eagles soared to third on the ladder, sending Magpie feathers flying in an imposing second-half display.
Doveton piled on nine goals during that period, whilst conceding just one.
Russell Robertson contributed five goals to the Eagles’ 53-point win
Teammate Jarrod O’Neill was the side’s best.
Carrum Patterson Lakes 10.4 (64) def by Lyndhurst 14.8 (92)
Hamish Browning booted eight of Lyndhurst’s 14 goals, assisting his side to overcome a stubborn CPL.
Jason Twite was a standout performer for Lightning in a 28-point win.
CPL matched it with Lyndhurst for three quarters, but was held scoreless in the final term.
UNDER 19
BEYONDBLUE ROUND 10 REVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
Round 10 saw a variety of results, including top placed St Kilda City inflicting St Pauls’ third consecutive loss, and a massive feat for Oakleigh District. In a highlight of the round, Bentleigh sung their club song for the first time this year in a milestone win against Endeavour Hills.
St Kilda City 9.13 (67) def St Pauls 8.3 (51)
St Pauls fell short to an early firing St Kilda City, who led 29-12 in the first break, however the Saints’ lead perhaps should have been greater given they had seven more scoring shots than their opponents.
But despite being able to outscore their opponents in the second half, St Pauls were unable to pull off the win, with St Kilda’s early workload effectively saving them in the end.
Thomas Gamble was best for St Pauls, and Lucien Bienvenu starred for the winners, alongside Jye Sujaini who kicked two goals.
Hampton 5.6 (36) def by Oakleigh District 20.23 (143)
Hampton suffered a crushing defeat against Oakleigh District, going down by 107 points at the Peterson Street Reserve.
Oakleigh kicked 5.6 in the first term to a scoreless Hampton, who were unable to pick up the pieces as Oakleigh continued to inflict the damage, piling on another 15 goals throughout the match.
Liam McCabe was once again pivotal in the forward line for Oakleigh with five goals to his name, and Nathan Peddle delivered a best on ground performance for the winning side.
Parkmore / Springvale Districts 7.11 (53) def by Hallam 13.8 (86)
Hallam bounced back after a loss to Cheltenham in Round 9 as they defeated Parkmore / Springvale Districts by 33 points at Springvale Reserve.
Parkmore / Springvale were simply too slow off the mark early in the game, and Hallam jumped to a 15-point lead at the first break. The second term was where Hallam started to run away with the match kicking five goals to Parkmore / Springvale’s two.
Despite Parkmore / Springvale’s ability to perform in the final term and outscoring their opponent by 23 points, it was not enough as Hallam were able to claim the win and rise to fourth position on the ladder.
Endeavour Hills 8.12-60 def by Bentleigh 12.6 (78)
In a standout match of the round, Bentleigh finally found their feet claiming their first win of the year against an unsuspecting Endeavour Hills.
Despite trailing at the first and main break, Bentleigh knew their chances to steal the win were still very promising as only three points separated the opponents at half time, 26-29. In the third term, Bentleigh were able to swing the momentum their way, kicking four goals to Endeavour Hills’ three and leading by three points going into the final term.
In a remarkable final effort, Bentleigh were able to seal the victory, restricting Endeavour Hills to ten points to their 25 – taking the win by 18 points. Samuel Ozaydin led his side, starring in a best on ground performance, and Jayce Morgan was also one to watch for Bentleigh, kicking four goals.
Skye 3.11 (29) def by Dingley 8.7 (55)
Dingley took the prize in a relatively comfortable win against Skye, after a slow start at the Carrum Downs Reserve.
Skye jumped started the match, leading the Dingoes by 11 points in the first break, 14-3. Seemingly awoken in the second term, Dingley answered back with a five-goal turnaround, where Skye were unable to back up their initial effort, only kicking one point.
From there, Dingley were able to steamroll to victory, with Luke Simmonds once again a force in the forward line kicking four goals. Stefan Lamble was best for the winning side, alongside teammate Loch O’Halloran.
Cheltenham defeated Doveton via forfeit.
