Springvale Districts took on Hampton Park in Division 2.
The Easter Long Weekend saw Southern Football Netball League action return for the first time in 18 months and on a perfect day there were plenty of games for people to take in on their public holiday.
In Division 1, Port Melbourne Colts took on Oakleigh Districts and after an even first quarter, the Colts pulled away and ended up running out convincing winners by 108 points. One of the more highly fancied teams in the comp, Port Melbourne’s star players showed their class, with Kwame McHarg among the best and kicking a goal that would sit comfortably on any ‘Great Goals’ highlight reel, while Jase Perkins was destructive, kicking ten. The Colts are off to a flyer and this weekend’s huge match against St Kilda City promises fireworks, particularly with a certain Brownlow Medallist slated to take the field for City.
In Division 2, Springvale Districts were too strong for Hampton Park in front of a roaring crowd at Springvale Reserve. At times, a see-sawing contest, Springvale got well on top in the second half and ran out comfortable winners over a Hampton Park side that were minus a couple of key players. Springvale’s deadly forward line trio of Darren Sheen, Stefan Feehan and Matt Weitering did the damage, all amongst the goals kicking 11 of their team’s 16 between them and leaving too much of a tall order for Hampton Park to overcome. For the visitors, Russ Gabriel put in a very strong showing, hinting that there are good things to come for them when they get their full squad out on the field.
In the other game in Division 2, East Brighton took on Heatherton and ran out comfortable winners. With six players kicking multiple goals and ten players kicking the team’s nineteen goals for the game, it’s clear that this was a team effort with plenty of contributors. Blake Cochrane, Luke Saunders, Tom Larby and Shaun James were instrumental in the big win, helping in getting East Brighton off to a perfect start to season 2021.
In the Thirds, it was Sandown taking on Springvale Districts and after a close first quarter, running away with the game to get their season off to a perfect start. In a low scoring contest, it was Ricky Ettridge who had a big say, kicking three goals, whilst Sam Frawley and Scott Sunderland played big parts in the win. With Round one looming this week, having a win in the bank already is a massive bonus.
