ROUND 17 REVIEW
St Kilda City 13.10-88 defeated Parkmore / Springvale 3.5-23
St Kilda City sit menacingly in third position heading into the final round of the season, after a 65-point defeat over Parkmore/Springvale.
Despite best attempts from Parkmore / Springvale’s Joseph Ekeroma, they were simply two steps behind a finals hungry City, who led increasingly at each break.
James Van-Minnen steered his side to victory in a best on ground effort, and eight separate goal kickers, including three from the dangerous Matthew McNaughton, sealed the deal for the home side.
Despite a confidence knocking loss, there will be more to see from Parkmore / Springvale in the coming weeks.
Sitting firmly in fourth place on the ladder, it can be sure the underdogs will be eager to cross paths with City again come finals time.
Oakleigh District 12.9-81 defeated Bentleigh 11.5-71
Daniel West was the difference in a nail biting hit out Princes Highway, with Oakleigh District continuing their strong march toward a back-to-back premiership in 2018.
The home side sat comfortably with a 26-point lead at the main break, and with the tenacious Gianluca Cappiello in form, Oakleigh looked strong in contrast to a quiet Bentleigh outfit.
Bentleigh were able to gather a response in the third term, but were still outscored, booting 3.2 to their opponents’ 4.4.
Trailing by 34 points heading into the final term, the Demons appeared out of the picture for Oakleigh. It was here when Bentleigh took advantage of their underdog status – and a fiery Demon group retaliated.
Demons Mackenzie Lawrence and Matthew Vorbach together took control in starring efforts for their side, who booted a shocking 5.1 to a stunned 1.1 from the reigning premiers.
The final term effort was unfortunately too little too late for the daring Demons, with their opponents managing to just hold on by a 10-point thread.
A stellar seven goals from an unstoppable Daniel West was a highlight for the winners.
In what was a thrilling final term shake-up, a lesson could be learned for Oakleigh, who seemingly took the foot off the pedal too early.
Currently sitting at fifth position on the 19s ladder, Bentleigh are a hot chance to secure an elimination finals hit out - and if they can repeat Round 17 efforts, they are not to be underestimated.
East Brighton 18.12-120 defeated Endeavour Hills 4.1-25
Endeavor Hills struggled against a dominant Vampire outfit, going down by 95 points in a tough home loss.
Spencer Martinez was the difference for the winning side, alongside teammate Otis Karamoshos who was unstoppable in the forward line with a five-goal haul.
10 separate goal kickers was a highlight in a solid team effort from the home side, who lead increasingly at each break ahead of a dogged Falcon flock.
The confidence boosting win gives East Brighton the kick they need as they chase a fifth position and elimination finals finish. However Endeavour Hills must not drop their heads, as they also remain in contention for the same spot.
Dingley defeated Keysborough via forfeit.
@brittgoldsmith2
