By Hayley Wildes, Nick Creely and Russell Bennett
AROUND THE GROUNDS
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 6
Emerald returned to the winners’ circle for the first time since the opening round of the season courtesy of a commanding 40-point win over Belgrave, 17.20 (122) to 12.10 (82).
The result puts the Bombers a game clear of both Belgrave and Warburton Millgrove in the battle to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon, and also puts them just a game and percentage behind Woori Yallock, Healesville, and the resurgent Monbulk in the logjam for fifth.
The Magpies got the early jump over the Bombers at home on Saturday, holding a narrow lead at both quarter-time and half-time before the visitors booted five majors to three – and had 10 scoring shots to four – to snare the momentum heading into the last.
And they capitalised – booting another six majors to run away with the win. Jedd O’Sullivan was a clear standout with his five goals, as were Mat Dompietro and Brent Moloney.
In Division 2, the fourth-placed Gembrook Cockatoo had the bye.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
ROUND 8
While Devon Meadows stuck with Hastings for a half, they were overpowered by the Blues in a seven goal to two second half at Glover Reserve, 9.10 (64) to 16.16 (112).
The Panthers got the fast break to lead by two points at quarter time, but the Blues – led superbly by Luke Hewitt (four goals) got the momentum back to take a narrow lead at half time.
Despite the usual fight by the likes of Mat Fletcher, Josh Stewart, Gavin Kerr and Arthur Churchill, the Panthers stood no match for the class of the Blues in the second half.
Pearcedale, meanwhile, were belted by Red Hill at Tractor Park, 4.10 (34) to 21.13 (139).
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 8
Drouin came within a whisker of securing a second win of the season after pushing Morwell all the way, 9.6 (60) to 10.8 (68).
The Hawks grabbed the lead for the first time through the second term and held firm throughout, taking the lead at the final change before the Tigers clicked into gear, kicking 2.1 and holding the home side scoreless in the final 30 minutes.
Joseph Collins was superb for the Hawks all day, while playing-assistant Eddie Morris continued to shine with another polished display.
Warragul, meanwhile, went down in an absolute heart-stopper to Sale at Western Park, 12.20 (92) to 13.15 (93).
The Magpies led the charge all day, extending their eight point half time margin to 27, with John Gooch and Jordan Dessent causing headaches with six goals between them.
But an inspired comeback saw the Gulls almost pinch a brilliant win, and if not for their inaccurate 5.7 to 2.4, could have ran away with the four points.
Brayden Fowler snared four for the home side, while Kim Drew also starred.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 8
Noble Park stamped its authority over Rowville with a dominant second quarter to set up the win at Pat Wright Senior Oval on Saturday.
The Bulls had 12 individual goal kickers on their way to a strong 17.16 (118) to 11.17 (83) win. Kyle Martin and Jackson Sketcher were superb for the Bulls, while Bailey Lambert and Hudson Thomas booted three goals each.
For Rowville, Alex Frawley and Ziggie Alwan were in everything.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 8
Keysborough dropped its second game in a row – falling to Highett, 6.7 (43) to 9.10 (64).
The Burras were leading by 17 points at half time, but were overrun as they could only muster one goal in the second half. Cory Hargreaves and James Anwyl were best for Keysborough in a disappointing day.
The Doveton Eagles returned to the winners list with a resounding win over Mount Waverley, 12.6 (78) to 23.23 (161). The Eagles used a seven goal to zero opening term to set up the win as Ricky Johnson (five goals), Peter Dye (four goals) and Michael Callinan were dominant.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 7
Springvale Districts got over the line in a great battle against Ashwood, 6.4 (40) to 7.8 (50). Nathan Brown and George Angelopoulos were integral as Springvale Districts were able to hold Ashwood out.
Hampton Park was simply ruthless against Block Rock, claiming a massive 22.19 (151) to 2.8 (20) win at Robert Booth Reserve.
Nathan Carver and Shannon Henwood (four goals each) were dominant up forward for Hampton Park, while Michael Henry and Jackson Philpin controlled the game.
Endeavour Hills overpowered Hallam from the outset and posted a percentage-boosting win, 3.4 (22) to 26.14 (170). Daniel Morrison was the star of the day, booting 10 majors for the Falcons.
Sam McLean slotted six of his own and Daniel Batson was impressive in the midfield battle.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 8
Lyndhurst took care of business against Sandown, 3.11 (29) to 15.8 (98). Jarryd McGrath (five goals) and Charlie Gardiner (four goals) were dynamic up forward for the Lightning.
Dandenong was outplayed by Frankston as the Dolphins ran amok, winning 19.30 (144) to 5.4 (34). Michael Lawrence and Cameron Riley were best in what was a dirty day for the Redlegs.
Carrum Patterson Lakes came out firing against Cerberus and were never troubled, winning 14.14 (98) to 4.4 (28). Shane Dunn and Brenton Rafferty were superb for Carrum Patterson Lakes.
Meanwhile, Lyndale scored a big win over Moorabbin, 12.9 (81) to 22.9 (141). Moses Faaola and Trent Day (five goals each) were dominant up forward for the Pumas.
VAFA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 9
St Johns was no match for Yarra Old Grammarians, falling 7.8 (50) to 21.14 (140). Josh Mourant (five goals) was a lone hand for St Johns in front of goals, while Glenn Costas and Daniel Cattolico battled valiantly.
