SFNL Football Round Review

By Jason Barbin

DIVISION 1

East Malvern moved into the top five after a decisive victory against Highett in round eight to the tune of 44 points at Dunlop Reserve.

A close contest saw the Panthers lead by just 11 points at half time, but the home side booted five goals in the third quarter to secure the four points.

Paul Fry was again superb for the winners, while young Jake Bowey stood out in his debut for the Dogs.

St Pauls has won a thrilling encounter with fellow premiership aspirant Cheltenham, winning by 10 points at McKinnon Reserve.

Two sides could barely be separated throughout the afternoon, with the efforts of Dogs’ star Harrison Hunt proving to be a key factor, with the key forward booting two goals in a best afield effort.

Former Carlton forward Jed Lamb has put on a clinic for Bentleigh in an important victory against Port Melbourne Colts at Murphy Reserve.

Lamb booted six goals in a best on ground performance, leading his side to a nine-goal second half and a reasonable percentage booster heading into the second half of the season.

A decisive third quarter effort from ladder leaders Dingley has spurred it to victory against a gallant Oakleigh Districts outfit at Princess Highway Reserve.

The Dingoes led by just 12 points at the main break, but piled on four goals to one in the third term to pull away from the hosts, with hard running midfielder Danny Ades booting four majors.

St Kilda City has remained within reach of the top five following a strong 23-point victory against fellow finals contender Mordialloc at the Peanut Farm.

Led by power forward Eddie Greene, who kicked a bag of six as best afield, the Saints pulled away from the Bloods in the third term, turning a six-point lead into a 20-point buffer to help secure the points.

Josh Dickerson led the resistance for the Bloods.

DIVISION 2

Eight goals from Adam Read has lifted Doveton Eagles to a comfortable victory against Skye, to the tune of 80 points at Carrum Downs Reserve.

The Eagles were constantly in control of the match, with a nine-goal to one first half putting any idea of an upset to rest, before sealing the win with an 11-goal second half.

Hampton has created a two-game gap to sixth place after defeating Caulfield by 44 points at Koornang Park on Saturday.

The fifth-placed Hammers led by just seven points at the main break, before piling on eight goals to four in the second half to secure the win against the sixth ranked Bears, with Alex Gleeson starring with two goals.

A nine-goal second half from Murrumbeena was the catalyst behind a comfortable 45-point triumph against Chelsea Heights at the Beena Arena.

The Beena levelled the score in the second term after trailing at the first break, before piling on four goals in the third to create a gap.

Jake Semmel was best on for the victors, while Nick Brazil booted four.

East Brighton has broken a three-game losing streak with a narrow victory against Heatherton at Ross Street Reserve.

The Vampires trailed for much of the contest, down by 10 at the final change, before the visitors came roaring home with a two goal to zero final term to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Nathan Foster enjoyed a strong performance in front of goal, booting four majors.

Keysborough has responded from its first loss of the season by thumping premiership aspirant Springvale Districts by 106 points on the road.

The Burra roared out of the gate and dominated the contest, holding the host goalless in the first half while piling on 12 majors.

Riet Pal was outstanding for Keysie, booting three goals and was one of seven multiple goalkickers.

DIVISION 3

A stunning 11-goal haul from Clayton stalwart Jayden Gilmour has helped his side to a 115-point thrashing of Cerberus at Meade Reserve.

The Clays led by just eight points at quarter time, before an eight-goal second quarter put the result beyond doubt.

Jesse Henderson continued his impressive form for the victors alongside Chris Morrison.

Ladder leaders Hampton Park made it nine wins in a row after overcoming Ashwood by 59 points at Robert Booth Reserve.

The Redbacks rarely looked troubled throughout the match as they raced away to a 50-point half time lead before a much closer second half.

Star Redback Shannon Henwood put together another best afield performance for the victors.

Endeavour Hills was too good for Black Rock in their round nine contest at Barry Simon Reserve, with the hosts winning by 71 points.

Five players finished with multiple goals for the Falcons, who moved to its seventh win of the season courtesy of a six goal to one behind opening half.

Daniel Strom and Sam McLean were best afield for the winners.

DIVISION 4

Carrum Patterson Lakes moved into the top four with a thumping victory against Dandenong, winning by 129 points at Greaves Reserve.

Eight players finished the game with multiple goals, led by best afield Brenton Rafferty and Alex Wilson, who combined for 11 majors.

Hallam remained in touch with the top four following an important victory against Lyndale at Hallam Reserve, breaking a five-game losing streak.

The Hawks led comfortable throughout the game, with Jack Sharlassian booting four goals while Ben Coutet was prolific in a best on ground performance.

Ladder leaders Lyndhurst bounced back from its first loss of the season with a hard-fought victory against Moorabbin at Widdop Crescent Reserve.

The two sides were only separated by five points at the final break, before the Lightning surged home with a four-goal to two final term.

Cory Willshire and Zach Woolcock were Lyndhurst’s best in the result.

Frankston Dolphins have overcome South Yarra in an absolute thriller at Leigh Park, with the visitors coming away with a five-point result.

The Lions will rue some inaccurate kicking at goal, booting 12 behinds in the loss, while the Dolphins took their chances when they came in a match that saw the lead change over multiple times.

Josh Kerrigan was a match winner for the Dolphins with six goals, while Jake McKinnon was also impressive.

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