By Hayley Wildes and Nick Creely
AROUND THE GROUNDS
YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 12
Searching for their fourth win of the season, Emerald got the jump on Monbulk early in their clash at Emerald Football Ground, but was overrun in the second half.
The Bombers, led by Jake Pedder (three goals) and Josh Rich were up by 27 points and in complete control at half time, but the Hawks piled on 11 of the final 14 goals scored to roar home to a 15.15 (105) to 12.11 (83) win.
Lachlan Sheppard and Michael Dompietro were also impressive for the Bombers.
In Division 2, Gembrook Cockatoo was never in the contest against Yarra Glen at home. The Brookers trailed by 27 points at quarter-time and – despite fine performances from Ryan De Reus and retired AFL star Michael Firrito (two goals) – lost 15.11 (101) to 7.12 (54).
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
DIVISION TWO – ROUND 15
Devon Meadows picked up its second consecutive victory with a nail-biting win over Rye at RJ Rowley Reserve on Saturday, 11.7 (73) to 9.16 (70).
In the end, it was the Demons’ inaccuracy that proved pivotal, but a five-goal display to Michael Theodoridis – who has now crossed the 50 goal mark – was decisive for the Panthers who are building some momentum.
The Demons held sway to lead at every change, but an unanswered two goal last quarter got the job done for the visitors.
Liam Drew, Joel Hillis and Gavin Kerr were others to impress in the win.
Pearcedale, meanwhile, also picked up a win against Crib Point, 16.10 (106) to 14.13 (97).
The Panthers were the better side all day, and the Magpies made a late charge, but ultimately were outclassed.
Luke Daniel (three goals) and Luke Dalmau starred for the home side in a confident boosting win.
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 14
Warragul’s electric form continued with a 25-point win over Traralgon on Saturday, 8.19 (67) to 6.6 (42).
As a result, the Gulls now jump into fifth spot in an impressive late season charge.
The Gulls made the jump and had the home side on the ropes in a goalless opening half, and took the foot off the gas in the second half to register the comfortable win.
Drouin, meanwhile, fought hard after kicking two first half goals to reach within 14-points of Sale, 9.14 (68) to 7.12 (54).
Eddie Morris, James Ferguson and Bob McCallum were the standouts for the Hawks.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 14
Russell Robertson put on one hell of a show for the Doveton Eagles. The retired AFL star proved he’s still got it with 15 goals against a hapless Caulfield.
With his signature class and goal-sense, Caulfield’s defence couldn’t keep up as he slotted them from everywhere at Power Reserve.
The Eagles ran out 24.24 (168) to 5.5 (35) winners as Nick Battle and Darryl Thomas were also sublime.
At Keysborough Reserve, the Burras took control of the game after quarter time to claim an important 14.12 (96) to 8.3 (51) win over Skye.
Chris Bryan was dominant up forward with six majors, while Ryan Goodes and Tim Werner worked tirelessly all day.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 13
Endeavour Hills was far too strong for South Yarra, dominating from start to finish to win 19.22 (136) to 3.5 (23) on the road.
Tom Gillies and Sam McLean combined for eight goals, while Jayson Bruce and Daniel Soar were pivotal in powering the Falcons to the big win.
Hallam fell behind early against Black Rock at home and never recovered, losing 13.12 (90) to 10.6 (66).
Still winless, the Hawks battled hard but the class of Black Rock was too much to overcome. Rory McIvor and Joel Danilo were impressive for the Hawks, while Tom Bradley booted three goals.
Heatherton fell in a heart-stopper against Ashwood at Essex Heights Reserve. Trailing all day, Heatherton dug deep in a valiant fourth quarter effort to nearly pull off the impossible.
A 23-point three quarter time deficit proved too much for Heatherton though, as Ashwood held on for a 16.12 (108) to 15.13 (103) win in dramatic fashion. Callum Cusack and Reagan Maddaford were superb for Heatherton.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 14
Meanwhile, Lyndale was never up for the fight against Frankston. The Pumas fell behind early and the Dolphins punished them to run out 8.20 (68) to 3.4 (22) winners.
Kane Denmead and Sukhwinder Singh were impressive for the Pumas.
Dandenong was ripped apart by Carrum Patterson Lakes at home. A six-goal to one opening term set the wheels in motion as Carrum Patterson Lakes ran out 21.21 (147) to 2.7 (19) winners.
Jayke Brown and Jayke Hopkins were valiant for the Redlegs.
Lyndhurst struggled to put a score on the board against Cerberus, falling 15.10 (100) to 3.6 (24) on the road. Jamie Gaspero and Jarryd McGrath were shining lights for the Lightning.
Sandown was unable to keep up with Moorabbin in the second half as the Kangaroos claimed a 12.15 (87) to 8.13 (61) win. Nicholas Morrish and Brendan Robinson were best for Sandown.
VAFA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 14
St Johns claimed their third win of the season in dramatic fashion at Eltham College. Eltham Collegians AFC jumped out to an early lead and held a 26-point advantage at the main break.
Trailing by 11 points with a quarter to play, St Johns rallied and booted four goals to two to claim a five-point win. Inaccuracy in front of goal almost cost St Johns, but they did enough to get over the line, 10.20 (80) to 11.9 (75).
Glenn Costas (four goals) and Rohan Scott were dynamic for St Johns in the thrilling win.
