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DIVISION 1
ROUND 9 REVIEW
By Will Hunter
@Will_Hunter89
St Pauls 13.16 (94) def Dingley 12.5 (77)
The Doggies have overcome an 18-point three quarter time deficit to pull off a remarkable come-from-behind victory over Dingley at the Kennel.
The Dingoes had the ascendancy at every change, having held the hosts at arm’s length for most of the afternoon, but a barnstorming final quarter saw St Pauls slam on six goals to one to steamroll the in-form reining premiers and official emerge as a bona-fide flag contender.
Dingley’s ruck/rover duo Troy MacKenzie and Chris Horton-Milne were prolific in tandem around the ground all afternoon, and were vital in helping their side accrue what appeared to be a match-winning lead at the final change. Cal McQueen also provided plenty of spark up forward and finished with a game-high six majors.
But there would be no denying the determined Dogs, who refused to roll over and instead produced one of the most scintillating quarters of team footy of the season.
Kieran Knox and Rhys Peet were in everything for the winners while Josh Verlin and Steve Muller combined for seven majors.
Mordialloc 13.14 (92) def St Kilda City 5.10 (40)
Mordialloc returned to the top of the Division 1 ladder with a convincing 52-point triumph over the Saints at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.
The opening stanza proved to be a tough affair, with the hosts narrowly edging ahead before stamping their authority on the game with five goals in the second term.
At half time the margin stood at 36 points, and although it was a vastly improved effort from the visitors in the third term, the deficit proved too big a gap to bridge.
Aaron Kneebone and Scott Bradley were the chief architects of the Bloods’ seventh victory of the season, along with power forward Steve Tolongs, who booted four goals.
Harry Czarnecki and Malcolm Neiwand were gallant for the Saints.
East Malvern 16.13 (109) def Oakleigh District 4.7 (31)
The Panthers returned to the winner’s circle in emphatic fashion, thrashing Oakleigh District by 78 points at the Zoo.
East Malvern were simply too strong across the board, extending their lead at every change in a dominant display. The Oaks, meanwhile, found it difficult to penetrate the Panthers’ defence, and could manage a paltry 2.4 to three quarter time.
There were no such issues up the other end, with the home side boasting nine individual goalscorers, with Simon Taylor leading all comers with three majors. Ryan Mullett and Luke Duffy were constantly in the thick of the action, while Luke Poustie was a tower of strength down back.
Pat Carroll led the way for the vanquished Oaks, while Jake Mullen didn’t miss a beat in his return from suspension.
Cheltenham 18.11 (119) def Port Melbourne Colts 7.6 (48)
Port Colt’s woes in white shorts have continued, slumping to a 71-point defeat at the hands of Cheltenham at Jack Barker Oval.
The Rosellas were in control from the outset, booting 10 goals in the first half, including six in the second term to put the Colts to the sword.
James North, Mitch Daniels and Chris Graham were terrific all afternoon for the winners, with no fewer than 12 players adding their names to the Rosellas’ goal scorers list.
For the Colts, it was the usual suspects in Jayme Lawson, Jake Wood and Lewis Mildenhall leading the resistance.
Clayton 3.4 (22) def by Bentleigh 19.11 (125)
The final game was another one-sided affair, with Bentleigh thrashing Clayton by 103 points at Meade Reserve, the Demons’ third win in succession.
By quarter time the visitors’ lead was already out past five goals, and with Sam McGarry, Scotty Mortimer, Scott Lawry and Spencer Daly (three goals) all in scintillating form, it ensured this would be another long day for the home side. James Howard topped the goal scorers’ list with four.
Jack McEwin was again the best for the winless Clays.
DIVISION 2
ROUND 11 REVIEW
By Jason Barbin
@JBarbin10
Caulfield was the big winner in Division 2 in Round 11, moving a game clear into third spot with a huge win against Skye.
Caulfield 12.11 (83) def Skye 6.9 (45)
A strong first quarter performance has lifted Caulfield to a 38-point win against Skye, moving it into third spot on the ladder.
The Bears, took control of the game right from the outset, booting six goals to one in the opening term, before kicking breaking even with the Bombers the remainder of the way, kicking five goals apiece.
James Backway booted four majors for Caulfield in the win, while Brandon Turner and Harris Lanyon were also impressive with their efforts.
A six-goal opening term set the tone for the Bears early on, smashing the Bombers around the ground to establish a 32-point quarter time lead.
Skye lifted its efforts in the second quarter to cut the margin to 22 points, but Caulfield broke away in the second half, booting five goals to two.
Nathan McConville was named Skye’s best alongside Brett Dawson.
Keysborough 17.7 (109) def Heatherton 8.7 (55)
Keysborough seemingly cruised to victory in this matchup and further solidified their chances at finishing inside the top two.
Chris Bryan continued his good form up forward, combining with Cory Hargreaves for nine goals while Ryan Goodes was named best on ground.
The Burra established a 30-point lead in the opening term, booting seven goals to two before Heatherton cut the lead back to 25 points at half time.
Another six goals to Keysborough in the third quarter built the lead to 56 points before another three goals in the last secured a 54-point win.
Callum Cusack and Reagan Maddaford were named the Tonners’ best.
Highett 10.12 (72) def Murrumbeena 8.21 (69)
Highett kept its slim finals hopes alive with a three-point upset win against Murrumbeena on the road.
The Dogs trailed by six points at the half time break, but piled on five goals in the third quarter to set up a 21-point three quarter time lead, before holding on in the last.
Ryan Marshall booted three goals for the Dogs while James O’Keefe and Charles Kinsey were named their best in the win.
Inaccurate kicking hurt the Beena during the opening half, booting 3.15 with the Dogs taking advantage to score 4.3 to trail by just six at the main break.
Highett put its foot to the floor during the third term, kicking five goals to four behinds to turn the tables and take a 21-point lead, before holding on as Murrumbeena kicked five goals in the last, but fell just short.
Alaster Bradley kicked two goals for Murrumbeena while Liam Wilson was its best.
Hampton 15.10 (100) def East Brighton 7.10 (52)
The Hammers scored a crucial victory to move inside the top five, defeating the Vampires in commanding fashion at the Toolbox.
Four players finished with multiple goals for Hampton, including key recruit Pat Bolger who was named best on ground.
In a tight opening term, the Hammers only lead by five points at the first change before breaking away during the second, kicking three goals while keeping the Vampires scoreless.
Hampton withstood an improved effort from East Brighton, booting five goals to four before sealing the win with a four-goal to one final quarter.
Ryan Stringer and Mitch Backman were named the best for East Brighton.
Springvale Districts 9.8 (62) def Mount Waverley 7.12 (54)
Springvale continues to be rewarded for effort, coming up with its third win of the season, this time defeating Mount Waverley by eight points.
Stefan Feehan and Lachlan Morrey combined for six goals while Ben Stacey and William Nevill were impressive across the ground.
The Mountain Lions enjoyed a positive opening quarter, leading by 10 points at quarter time before Springvale cut it the three by the main break.
The third quarter saw Mount Waverley extend its lead slightly to five points, but the Districts surged home in the last with three goals to run out eight-point winners.
Jarrod Wilkin and Andrew Mathers were listed as Mount Waverley’s best.
DIVISION 3
ROUND 10 REVIEW
By Andrew Paloczi
@Apaloczi
It was a disappointing round with only one game decided by less than 50 points and three margins in excess of 100.
Endeavour Hills 20.22 (142) def Sandown 3.4 (22)
Daniel Batson was best on ground in Endeavour Hills’ 120-point demolition of Sandown.
The Cobras would have lost by substantially more with accurate goal shooting from the Falcons.
Ben Moriarty and Daniel Morrison each contributed four goals to the win. Morrison’s season tally has risen to 24 majors.
Sandown’s Ricky Logan earned life membership of the club, playing his 150th game, and kicked one of the Cobras’ three goals.
Ashwood 6.1 (37) def by Hallam 18.14 (122)
Ashwood and Hallam were expected to provide an intriguing contest.
The Hawks had other ideas, shredding the injury depleted Magpies by 85 points.
Victory enabled the Hawks to swoop on the top rung of the ladder.
Kevin Atkin led the Hallam charge as best afield and teammate Shane Thomas booted five goals.
Ashwood entered the game without key players such as Gavin Mahony, Mitch Saunders and Paul Wineberg and lost others to injury early in the match.
However, Ashwood coach Mick Rossborough was making no excuses.
He indicated a well-coached Hallam team was too good and too quick for his side on the day.
It was disappointing the Magpies couldn’t manage a more competitive display in the 150th game of club stalwart Matt Maginnes.
South Yarra 20.18 (138) def Carrum Patterson Lakes 6.7 (43)
South Yarra was dominant against CPL, recording a 95-point win and retaining third spot on the ladder.
Adam Villella was the Yarras’ most prolific goal kicker with three, whilst eight of his teammates booted a couple of majors each.
Braden Hender was the winner’s best.
Lyndhurst 5.4 (34) def by Lyndale 12.8 (80)
Lyndale’s Trevor Kumetaitis continues to lead the division’s goal kicking table, adding seven against Lyndhurst.
He managed a couple more majors than the Lightning side and took his season tally to 38 goals.
Jayden Malek was the Pumas’ best in a 46-point win.
Lyndhurst led by a behind at quarter time, but Lyndale proved too strong after that.
Black Rock 32.23 (215) def Dandenong 3.11 (29)
Black Rock continued to climb the ladder with a 186-point obliteration of Dandenong.
The Jets have risen to seventh place, after being 10th at the conclusion of Round 5.
At that stage they had just one win, but have won four of their next five games.
Brenton Rafferty was best afield and contributed six goals to the Jets’ win, as did teammates Adrian Lane and Kristian Bliesner.
Moorabbin 4.8 (32) def by Doveton Eagles 23.15 (153)
Doveton brushed Moorabbin aside, winning by 121 points.
It was an excellent team performance by the Eagles with 11 goal kickers, led by Cameron Carmody’s five majors.
Doveton skipper Corrie Wilson was best on ground.
UNDER 19
ROUND 9 REVIEW
By Britt Goldsmith
The Under 19s have crossed the half way point in the season, with top teams starting to assert their dominance and prove their potential as finals contenders. An upset win saw the Rosellas defeat the Hawks, and St Pauls came close to a forceful Dingley.
Cheltenham 9.7 (61) def Hallam 5.11 (41)
Cheltenham were able to bounce back from a narrow six-point loss to St Kilda City in Round 8, as they unexpectedly knocked off Hallam in a fantastic home performance.
Lawson Daniels led the charge for a determined Cheltenham, who were up by seven points at the first break. Hallam were able to respond in the second term, swinging the momentum and leading by six points at half time.
However, half time saw Cheltenham take control, booting four goals to two in the third term, and finally running over their opponents in the last, keeping Hallam to just three points. Anthony Malamas was influential with three goals for the Rosellas, who took the four points against the surely stunned Hawks.
St Pauls 9.3 (57) def by Dingley 10.9 (69)
St Pauls continue to improve after an impressive contest against the Dingoes, going down by 12 points at the McKinnon Reserve.
Initially, Dingley led by seven points at quarter time. In the second quarter, just one point separated the teams, with Dingley up 27-26.
The same scoring effort by both sides in the second quarter (4.1) carried Dingley’s one point lead into the third break, with a huge task ahead that would be awarded to the game’s most enduring and consistent.
Despite a best on ground performances from Connor Byrne and Thomas Gamble for the Doggies, the Dingoes were able to pull off a solid ending to the match, breaking away with a two goal to one scoring effort. Luke Simmonds was best for the winning side booting six goals, alongside Stefan Lamble and Sebastian Zammit.
Hampton 12.8 (80) def Bentleigh 9.9 (63)
Bentleigh came close to picking up their first win of the year against Hampton, falling short by 17 points after leading up to half time.
Bentleigh got off to a convincing start, with best on ground Samuel Ozaydin leading the charge as they led by five and two points at the first two breaks respectively. However, a sleepy Hampton were revived after half time, booting 4.2 to Bentleigh’s 1.2 and claiming the lead by 16 points going into the final term.
From there, Bentleigh’s 3.1 scoring effort to Hampton’s 3.2 was not enough on the day, and Hampton were able to steal the four points out of Bentleigh’s grasp. Patrick Eckersall was a standout for Hampton, and teammate Bunarith Kheng kicked four goals.
Alongside Ozaydin, Samuel Ruddy and Andrew Furdetskyy were highlights for the winning side.
Oakleigh District 23.27 (165) def Doveton 0.0 (0)
Oakleigh were simply unstoppable against a struggling Doveton, claiming the win by a damaging 165 points.
Liam McCabe was an unwavering force for Oakleigh with eight goals to his name in a best on ground effort, followed by Luke Quinlivan and Callum Morgan.
Parkmore/Springvale Districts 3.4 (23) def by St Kilda City 11.10 (76)
Parkmore / Springvale Districts impressive form and four-game winning streak was interrupted by St Kilda City, as they went down by 53 points at the Springvale Reserve.
St Kilda City were switched on from the get go, leaving Parkmore / Springvale chasing throughout the game’s entirety. City kept their opponents to just one goal until half time, and showed no signs of slowing down with a seven-goal effort in the last half.
Nathan Dawson was pivotal for St Kilda City, who booted four goals in a stand out effort, and Ayang Nyanjok was again an influence with three goals.
Endeavour Hills 5.9 (39) def by Skye 8.8 (56)
Skye came out best as they took on Endeavour Hills at the Barry Simon Reserve, claiming their fifth win of the season by 17 points.
It was anyone’s game at the main break, as Endeavour Hills only trailed by seven points. However, Hallam’s 20-point effort in the third term was what saved them, as Endeavour Hills proceeded to actually outscore their opponent by one in the final term. Ashley Burks was a highlight for the winning side, and Jason White-Ward scored three goals to his name.
