By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
ROUND 2 REVIEW
Endeavour Hills 5.9 (39) def Springvale Districts 5.2 (32)
Endeavour Hills’ coach Rob Dipper was pleasantly surprised when, despite finishing the game with no available substitutes, his players defeated Springvale Districts.
The winning margin in a low-scoring stoush was seven points.
Despite much of the play taking place in the Falcons’ forward line, scores were close throughout the game.
The Demons’ defence withstood persistent assaults, with the likes of Nathan Brown and Ben Stacey challenging the Endeavour Hills’ forwards.
The Falcons failed to capitalise on forward opportunities, with some excellent goal scoring chances squandered.
Shortly before the main break, Endeavour Hills had just one major to show for its hard work and numerous entries into the forward arc.
Finally, the Falcons’ efforts were rewarded, with a couple of late goals taking them to half time with an eight-point advantage.
At three quarter time that lead had been trimmed to a mere five points and Springvale Districts was threatening.
Demons’ players were urged at the huddle to improve their efforts going forward and to cast aside any timidity in the final term.
Despite Springvale Districts going straight into attack in the last stanza, it was Endeavour Hills that goaled first.
Although that was the Falcons’ sole major for the term, the Demons were only able to manage one of their own.
Byron Hoe was excellent for the victorious Endeavour Hills, although he was edged out by teammate Ben Moriarty on the Falcons’ best players list.
Springvale Districts’ Lachie Morrey, with three goals, was the only player on the ground to manage more than one major.
Tom Wilkinson also impressed for the defeated Demons after his recent transfer from the Murray Football League. He gathered many possessions and used the footy assuredly.
Ashwood 5.7 (37) def by Hampton Park 13.14 (92)
Hampton Park kept its unbeaten SFNL record intact with a thumping 55-point win over Ashwood.
In their first home game of the season, the Magpies were quickly overpowered, despite scoring the contest’s first major through Jake Chapman.
Hampton Park responded with the next six goals.
After that, the result was never really in doubt, although Ashwood showed character with the next couple of majors.
Redback Nathan Carver snagged five goals for the match, taking his season tally to 15 in three games.
Teammate Mitch Woolgar was best afield whilst Michael Henry was again prominent.
The ever-reliable Mitch Saunders was best for the fallen Magpies.
South Yarra 7.11 (53) def by Black Rock 16.14 (110)
A powerful third-term display enabled Black Rock to put victory beyond doubt against home side South Yarra.
The Jets raced to a 42-point lead at the final change.
Will Sanchez helped inspire Black Rock with four goals and his skipper Tom Dalton also impressed in the Jets’ 57-point win.
South Yarra’s David Cannizzo was one bright spot for his outclassed side, slotting three majors.
Hallam 6.7 (43) def by Heatherton 15.18 (108)
Heatherton has finally broken through, recording its first win in 19 games.
The Tonners had to work hard in the first half against host Hallam, before assuming control after the long break.
The final margin was 65 points with big-name recruit Khaled Kandakji one of the stars for the winner, with five majors.
Fellow Tonner Chris Tosin was best on ground.
