Round 12 Wrap-Ups

DIVISION 1 with JASON BARBIN

 

Round 12 was a split round, with all teams earning a well-earned break over the past two weeks.

 

East Brighton continued their dominant form of late with a commanding win against Chelsea Heights. The win was set up by a 10 goal to 3 second half with every Vampire player contributing. The win puts them within reach of a top two spot while Chelsea Heights drop to 3rd with the loss. Dean Francis was great in front of goal kicking 5.

 

Dingley overcame a gallant Clayton side at Meade Reserve in Round 12. The Dingoes were made to work hard for it all game but in the end were too good for the Clays. The win puts Dingley in the top 2 while Clayton remains in 7th with a bit of work to do if they want to play finals. Phil Ball and Jack Bourke were the leading goal kickers on the ground for their respective teams with 4 goals apiece.

 

East Malvern overcame an improved performance from Highett to win their 3rd game of the season and completely rule themselves out of the relegation battle. The Pumas lead from go to woe in a solid team performance that should give them confidence for the rest of the season. Ryan Parkinson and Paul De Koeyer were among the best for East Malvern, each kicking 4 goals.

 

Heatherton hosted Cheltenham in a must-win game for the Rosellas. And win they did, by a comfortable 3 figure margin. Heatherton were just no match as Cheltenham played possibly their best game for the season. The win puts them in the top 5 and more importantly, a win and percentage ahead of the Saints and Clayton. Chris Graham had a big bag with 9 goals for the Rosellas.

 

St Pauls held their position at the top of the ladder after a hard fought come from behind win against the Saints at McKinnon Reserve. The Saints led at 3 quarter and looked like they could steal a game from the ladder leaders until a 7 goal to 1 final quarter put the Doggies in a winning position. Jarryd Allen and Matthew Herbstreit were among the best for the victors.

 

DIVISION 2 with THE FOOTY TRAGIC

 

Well it took 2 weeks to complete, but Round 12 still left a lot of unanswered questions. While the top 5 teams are unchanged from the previous round, Skye and Hampton are still a chance, even though Hampton has a huge deficit in percentage. But I’m writing off Moorabbin now for finals, along with Caulfield and South Yarra. Murrumbeena are still in the hot seat after last week and the pressure will be on them on a weekly basis from now on.

 

The first game of the round saw Skye blow a chance for 5th spot. Mordialloc led all day and came away winning by almost 5 goals. Luckily Skye are still only one game out of the five and still have a very healthy percentage; they just have to start winning on a consistent basis. With six Rounds to play, Mordialloc would have to have a disastrous injury run to see them miss out on finals.

 

Hampton at home against Caulfield went as predicted. Hampton won every quarter and remain one game out of the five, however, they need to start boosting their percentage if they are going to sneak into the finals. Mathematically possible, but the last six games sees them playing 4 of the current top 5 and Skye. Only the game against South Yarra in Round 17 could see them potentially boost their percentage, but by then the mathematics may be impossible.

 

Oakleigh District performed as expected and had no problem against South Yarra at Princes Hwy Reserve.  The future looks glum for the Lions, but Oakleigh District can look forward to another finals campaign barring a disastrous turn of luck with injuries.

 

Moorabbin at home to Bentleigh also went as predicted.  This loss has all but ended Moorabbin's finals dreams for 2013, whereas Bentleigh just needs to play consistently from here on in and they may find themselves competing amongst Division 1 in 2014.  Their best is capable, but they do keep playing shockers every now and then.  Eliminate the shockers and who knows what may happen!

 

Murrumbeena at home against Springvale Districts was the chance to put a 2 game gap on the challengers and push Springvale into 6th spot. Springvale had other ideas however, and despite a big last quarter from the Beena, Springvale took the chocolates. Murrumbeena needs to get their act together and maintain that if they are to play finals.

 

DIVISION 3 with GOOD WILL HUNTER

 

Dandenong has ended Carrum Patterson Lakes’ five-game winning streak with a come-from-behind win at Greaves Reserve. The Lions flew out of the blocks, booting six of the first seven goals, and enjoyed a comfortable lead for most of the afternoon. But with a howling wind at their backs, the Redlegs stormed home in the last quarter and held on to win by three points. Matt van Schajik was instrumental in helping get his side over the line, while Cameron Riley stood out with his penetrating run and carry. Nigel Scott was the Lions’ best.

 

Mount Waverley made a welcome return to form with a 10-goal demolition of Ashwood at Mayfield Reserve. After trading goals in an opening term shootout, the Mountain Lions put the clamps on the Magpies, restricting them to just four goals after the first change. James Gough’s three majors helped him claim best afield honours, while teammates Joseph Rickard and Cameron Kirkup booted 11 goals between them.

 

At Barry Powell Reserve, Lyndale put up a big fight but couldn’t upset the undefeated Doveton. The Eagles had kept the Pumas at arm’s length for the first three quarters, and just 11 points separated the two sides at the final change. But the premiership favourites lifted when it counted, and three goals to none in the last quarter saw Doveton home by 30 points. Clint and Nathan Wilson were again among the best for the Eagles.

 

Black Rock registered its fourth win of the year with a comprehensive 34-point triumph over Endeavour Hills at Barry Simon Reserve. The Jets completely stifled the home side, keeping them to just one goal at half time. Daniel Kick stood out for the winners, as did Michael Spohn, who continued his rapid improvement.

 

The final match saw Sandown get the better of Hallam at Edinburgh Reserve and move into the top five on percentage. The Cobras looked the better side all day, increasing their lead at every change before finally running out 29-point winners. Mitchell Gersbeck and John Frenken were solid contributors for Sandown.

 

UNDER 19s with GOOD WILL HUNTER

 

Hampton kicked off Round 12 with a hard-fought victory over Chelsea Heights under lights at Springvale Reserve. The Hammers led from start to finish, and although the Heighters threw the kitchen sink at them in the final quarter, Hampton held on to win by 11 points. Hammers ruckman Guy Timms earned the Round 12 Leader Shooting Star nomination after a standout performance, while Jackson Fry was again solid up forward for the Heighters.

 

Over at Meade Reserve, Dingley proved too good for Clayton. The Dingoes had opened up a sizable advantage by halftime before the Clays mounted a spirited third-term fight back. But it wasn't enough; Dingley cruised to a 38-point win on the back of a dominant display from Travis Walker.

 

Skye returned to the winners circle after upsetting St Pauls at McKinnon Reserve. The Bombers’ inaccuracy saw them trail by two goals at the long break, before they clicked into gear and ran all over the Doggies in the second half. Blake Bormann was best on ground for the Bombers, while Martyn Clements impressed for St Pauls.

 

The final game saw Murrumbeena register a big win over Carrum Patterson Lakes at Beena Arena. The visitors showed a lot of fight in the opening stanza, but unfortunately couldn’t match it with Beena after quarter time. Callum Kirk-Williams again starred for Murrumbeena.