By Hayley Wildes, Nick Creely and Russell Bennett
AROUND THE GROUNDS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
ROUND 11
Chelsea flexed its muscles and overcame a spirited Devon Meadows by 27 points at Glover Reserve on Saturday, 13.11 (89) to 9.8 (62).
The Panthers made the most of their chances in the opening term to lead by two points, but the Seagulls brought the heat to kick three unanswered goals in the second.
After half time, the visitors did what they needed to do, kicking eight goals to six to run away with a comfortable win.
Troy Aust was the star for the Panthers, while Allan Murray also snared two goals and Cal O’Hare was once again prominent.
Down at RJ Rowley Reserve, Rye was far too strong for Pearcedale, 14.16 (100) to 7.7 (49).
The Panthers stuck with the Dees for a half, but the home side powered away with a dominant second half.
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 9
The incredible logjam at the top of Division 1 of the AFL Yarra Ranges competition has continued with positions one through to five separated by just percentage after the opening nine rounds of the season. Olinda Ferny Creek, Woori Yallock, Upwey Tecoma, Wandin and Healesville all have a share of the ladder lead with six wins and three losses apiece.
But Wandin had to do it the hard way at Chandler Reserve against Emerald. Despite trailing by 28 points at half-time, a spirited Bombers outfit refused to give in on the day they celebrated favourite son Kade Simpson’s soon-to-be 300th AFL game for Carlton. Emerald ultimately just by just 13 points, 10.7 (67) to 6.18 (54), with Nic Jansen (two goals), Daniel Edwards and Shaun Semmens leading the way for the home side.
In Division 2, Gembrook Cockatoo sits in fourth spot after a hard-fought 10-point away win over Powelltown, 9.14 (68) to 8.10 (58). Former Collingwood star Tarkyn Lockyer (four goals) again led the way for the Brookers.
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 11
Warragul strung together back-to-back Gippy League wins, with the Gulls dominating Wonthaggi at Western Park on Saturday, 10.13 (73) to 3.5 (23).
Leading from start to finish, the home side steadily built its lead throughout the four quarters, with Brayden Fowler (three goals) and Luke Di Ciero (three) dynamite in attack.
Drouin, meanwhile, battled hard but couldn’t overcome Maffra’s class, 13.11 (89) to 3.6 (24).
The Hawks were jumped early, falling to a 26-point deficit that couldn’t be reeled in despite showing some great fight in the second term.
Brendan Dower, James McKellar and Jeb McLeod were named the best for the Hawks, with McLeod slotting two of his side’s three goals.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 10
Rowville claimed a crucial win over Blackburn at Morton Park. With both teams fighting it out for the final top four spot on the ladder, Rowville got off to a hot start and held off the home side, 10.8 (68) to 7.8 (50), despite not kicking a goal in the final term.
Noble Park was overrun by the Roos at East Ringwood, falling 14.10 (94) to 9.9 (63). The Bulls had Hudson Thomas (five goals) stand up in the forward line, while Kyle Martin’s impressive run of form continued.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 10
Keysborough returned to the winners list with a massive 20.14 (134) to 8.8 (56) away win over Mount Waverley. Chris Bryan (eight goals) and Matthew Carnelley (five goals) starred for the Burras in an offensive masterclass.
The Doveton Eagles obliterated Clayton, 25.11 (161) to 6.5 (41), as Darren Sheen ran riot with seven goals. A ruthless 15-goal to one second half provided the Eagles with a massive percentage boost to claim top spot on the ladder.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 9
Springvale Districts claimed a hard-fought win over Endeavour Hills, 6.8 (44) to 3.8 (26). Jack Allender and Steven Comino were sublime for Springvale Districts, while Ben Holland and Ben Swift battled hard for the Falcons.
An inaccurate Hampton Park remain on top of the ladder after claiming a win over Ashwood, 5.14 (44) to 5.9 (39). Taylor Rainey and Luke Nunan dominated for the Redbacks in the low-scoring affair.
Hallam will rue its missed opportunities, falling to Heatherton 8.8 (56) to 7.13 (55), in a thriller. The Hawks had their chances to win their first game of the season, but were unable to convert when it mattered most. Rory McIvor played inspired footy for Hallam.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 10
Lyndale was far too strong for Dandenong, claiming a 14.8 (92) to 6.4 (40) win. Trent Day (five goals) and Jayden MacDonald were sublime for the Pumas, while James Davis and Anthony Gaetano were valiant for the Redlegs.
Carrum Patterson Lakes took care of business against Sandown, storming to a big away win 17.16 (118) to 5.7 (37). Mitchell Davis was huge for Carrum Patterson Lakes and Michael Newsom was best for the Cobras.
Lyndhurst held of Frankston in a great contest at Overport Park. The Lightning was led by Hamish Browning (four goals) and Jarrod Murphy on their way to a 4.7 (31) to 6.6 (42) win.
VAFA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 11
St John’s fell heartbreakingly short of the Old Paradians. St John’s was leading by 15 points at halftime, but the Old Paradians got over the line in a thriller, 10.8 (68) to 9.10 (64).
Daniel Cattolico and Glenn Costas almost got their team over line with impressive showings for St John’s.
