The gap between the top teams and the rest of the competition continued to widen in Round 3, with several powerhouse sides maintaining their unbeaten runs to start the year.
The Saints continue to march on in 2021 with St Kilda City far too good for Oakleigh District 20.12-132 to 3.9-27. The home side dominated each quarter to notch up their second triple figure thrashing in as many weeks. Aaron Edwards played his best game for the club starring with a bag of 10 goals, while Jordan Tabakman and Eddie Espinosa were dynamic throughout the game. Dane Swan also pulled the boots on for the second time this season and finished the day with one snag next to his name. Simon Black the best on the day for District.
Mordialloc registered their first win of the season, coming from behind to overrun a gutsy Highett at Turner Road, 14.12-96 to 10.1-61. The Dogs started in impressive fashion and were deadly accurate in front of goal, slotting 8.0 in the first half to take a 15 point lead at the main break. However, it was the Bloodhounds who did all the attacking in the third term, booting 4.2 to claim a 10 point buffer at the last huddle. The visitors broke the Dogs spirit in the last, ramming through six majors to run away with a comfortable victory. Harrison Edwards and James Morris both finished with four goals each for Mordi and Callan Dixon put in his best performance for the season. The Dogs will be disappointed to let this one slip through their grasp but will be buoyed by the performance of Mitch Hoar who kicked four goals.
It was billed as the match of the round before the weekend and this one between Dingley and East Malvern certainly lived up to the hype! Another classic encounter between these two in the books, the Dingoes holding on for a superb win 8.8-56 to 7.8-50. It was close all day with one side edging in front before the other inevitably hit back. With goals at a premium, it seemed certain that whoever took their chances in front of goal would triumph and it was the home side who were cleaner when it mattered. The Dingoes slotted 4.0 after half time, while the Panthers return of 3.5 wasn’t enough to get them over the line. Luke Simmonds continued to provide an option up forward for Dingley with three majors, while Jackson Peet and Matt Terech were influential in getting the Dingoes the chocolates.
Port Melbourne Colts continue to gallop along, the men in red and blue continuing their fine start to the season with a comfortable victory against St Paul’s. It was a scrappy old game but the visitors keep themselves at arm's length for the majority of the afternoon, the final score 8.12-60 to 3.8-26. Despite their tremendous ability to pile goals on the scoreboard, the Colts were never able to score freely at any stage with three first quarter goals their best for the afternoon. Despite their gallant defensive efforts, the Dogs couldn’t capitalise on their limited chances in front of goal and are now winless after a tough fixture to start the year. Whilst the game never reached any great heights, it’s another big tick for the Colts as they consolidate their position as ladder leaders. Tyler Jones and Lewis Mildenhall the best performers for the winners.
The round wrapped up with the traditional Anzac clash between Cheltenham and Bentleigh at Jack Barker Oval. The Demons came to play in the first quarter with three goals to one but after a pep talk from Des Ryan the Rosellas stormed away with the contest to run out big winners, 16.14-110 to 4.7-31. A stunning seven goal second quarter the catalyst for the win as the Rosellas continued their unbeaten start to the year. The second half was particularly ugly for the visitors as Cheltenham did as they pleased to notch up an important percentage booster. The Rosellas shared the scoring duties with 11 individual goalkickers, while Jake Davis was arguably best on ground. It was a tough afternoon for the Demons but Ben Cooper dug in all day for his team.
