SFNL Football Round 5 Review
By Jason Barbin
DIVISION 1
St Pauls have clung on for a thrilling one-point win against East Malvern with the Panthers’ Mackenzie Bristow missing a shot after the siren that would’ve gifted his side the four points.
Bristow’s attempt would’ve completed a 12-point final quarter comeback, but instead the Dogs score their third win of the season with Alex Spencer and two-time Ellis medal winner Matt Kreymborg named best on ground.
Chris Carey and Paul Fry were a dominant around the ground for the Panthers.
Port Melbourne Colts’ impressive start to the season continues with a stunning second half display producing a 51-point result over Oakleigh Districts at Princess Highway Reserve.
The Colts led by just four points at the main break, but booted 12 goals to five in the second half to run away with the win, with Chris Deluca best afield and Callum Cathcart dominating with five goals.
Dingley remains on top of the division one ladder, following a 13-goal second half against Bentleigh at Souter Oval on Saturday.
Young gun Remmi Faulkner-Wood, who booted 12 goals in an under-19s game earlier this season, booted four in his maiden senior game this year and proved he’s a player to watch as the Dingoes ran out 54-point victors.
A six-goal haul from best afield Chris Gleeson has spurred Mordialloc to a comfortable 26-point win against Highett at Turner Road Reserve.
The Bloods led at every change and enjoyed the successful return of key position player Justin Summons from a knee reconstruction. While the Dogs, led by star recruit Macklin Raine, had their moments, they struggled with their accuracy in front of goal.
Will McTaggert has moved nine goals clear atop the division’s goal kicking table after an eight-goal haul for Cheltenham in its 64-point triumph against St Kilda City at Jack Barker Oval.
McTaggert’s eight goals are a season high for the key forward, with five coming in the first half as the Rosellas built a sturdy 40-point half time lead, before running away with the game in the second half.
DIVISION 2
East Brighton is back on the winners list, winning a crucial game on the road against Chelsea Heights to the tune of 35 points at Beazley Reserve.
As the Heighters struggled with their accuracy in front of goal, the Vampires were out for blood with Shaun James showing his X factor ability, kicking four goals in a best on ground performance for the victors.
Caulfield has also scored a crucial win in its bid to get its season back on track, defeating Heatherton by 33 points at Koornang Park.
The win was built off the back of a strong first quarter, which saw the Bears keep the Tunners scoreless, before a strong finish sealed the victory with Stuart Paterson playing his best game for the club at senior level.
Jake Semmel and Cory Hargrave celebrated their 150-game milestones in style as Murrumbeena smashed Skye by 103 points at the Beena Arena.
Star forward Luke James made a successful return to from suspension, booting four goals for the winners, but it was off-season recruit Fintan Brazil that caught the eye, playing his best game for the club since crossing over from Kyneton.
Springvale Districts has held off a tough fightback from Hampton to come away with a gritty win at Springvale Reserve and remain in the top three.
Outlined by coach Kris Thompson during the week as a crucial contest, the Districts were put to the test by the Hammers, but prevailed with a decisive final quarter which extended a one-point lead to an 18-point result.
Offseason recruit Matt Wetering starred with three majors for the victors, while Guy Timms and Callum White starred for the gallant Hammers.
DIVISION 3
Endeavour Hills has completed a 120-point demolition of Ashwood at Barry Simon Reserve to cement its status as premiership contender.
The Falcons led at every change with Daniel Morrison and Jarrod Morolla starring inside 50, combining for 13 goals, while Daniel Strom was best afield.
Clayton has scored back-to-back wins for the first time since 2016 with a resounding 60-point win at home against Black Rock.
The Clays were just too strong across all facets of the game as they booted nine goals to three in the second half to claim the win, with Jesse Henderson best afield and Jayden Gilmour kicking five goals.
Hampton Park remains undefeated and on top of the division three ladder with a crushing 145-point win against Cerberus at Robert Booth Reserve.
The Redbacks simply outclassed the three-headed dogs with Nathan Carver and Peter Dye combining for 10 goals and were among 14 individual goal kickers for the premiership favourites.
DIVISION 4
A stunning 10-goal second half from Lyndhurst has lifted it to what turned into a resounding 11-goal victory against Carrum Patterson Lakes at Marriott Waters Reserve.
The Lightning led by just six points at the half time break before surging further ahead, with Jeremy Jakupi producing his best effort for the season, botting six majors in a best on ground performance.
Frankston Dolphins took out its fourth win of the season, putting Lyndale to the sword to the tune of 124 points at Overport Park.
The Dolphins kept the Pumas goalless in the first term and piled on the majors themselves, finishing with 23 goals and a staggering eight multiple goal kickers, led by Callum Collier with four.
Moorabbin has scored a crucial 17-point against Hallam to break a three-game losing streak at Widdop Crescent Reserve in round five.
The Roos put together a solid four-quarter performance in the win during what was an entertaining game of football, with Nathan McConchie and Josh Gover putting together impressive showings.
Nathan Jerram was a valuable contributor for the Hawks with four goals.
South Yarra has enjoyed a fairy-tale result in its opening game at new home ground Leigh Park, defeating Dandenong by 87 points.
The Lions led by just 10 points at the half time break but ran away with the game in the second half, booting 13 goals while keeping the Redlegs scoreless.
Shaheen Merchant was best on ground for the hosts while Shaun Falla kicked four goals.
