By Hayley Wildes and Nick Creely
AROUND THE GROUNDS
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 14
Emerald had the top-placed Olinda Ferny Creek on the back foot with a stunning first half performance in front of their home crowd.
The Bombers led by 21 points at the main break, but unfortunately fell away in the second half as James Charge took control of the game with five majors.
Emerald was eventually overrun 12.15 (87) to 8.11 (59). Shaun Semmens (three goals) was sublime, while Nic Jansen and Matthew Dompietro put in fine performances for the Bombers.
Meanwhile, in Division 2, Gembrook Cockatoo had the bye and will return to action this weekend against Alexandra at home.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
ROUND 17
A scintillating final quarter burst was enough for Pearcedale to knock off Rye at Tractor Park on Saturday, 10.15 (75) to 6.12 (48).
The Panthers and Demons were neck and neck for the majority of the contest, but the home side managed to slam on five goals to one in the final term to run away comfortable winners.
Luke Daniel and Luke Dalmau were once again prominent for the Panthers, while Laughlin Cowell snared three majors.
A highly inaccurate Devon Meadows, meanwhile, lost to the lowly Tyabb by eight-points at Glover Reserve, 10.8 (68) to 7.18 (60).
The Panthers led at the final change by just three points, but disappointingly kicked 1.8 to 3.3 in the final term to fall short in what was a tough day for the club.
Despite the result, Michael Theodoridis booted another four majors, while Mat Fletcher was almost a lone hand for his side with another brilliant display.
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 16
On a record breaking day for Drouin, the Hawks produced one of their finest performances in recent memory, knocking off second placed Leongatha, 10.9 (69) to 9.13 (67).
David ‘Chewy’ Olsen broke the games record for the Hawks, running out for the 246th time for the club, and he inspired his side to victory.
Courtesy of the wind, the Parrots were unable to put the game beyond reach in the third term, only extending their 16-point deficit to a 13-point lead at three quarter time courtesy of a four goal quarter.
But the Hawks dug deep, and flourished, booting three goals to one in the final term to walk away with a narrow victory, one that will lift the confidence of everyone within the club.
Rhys Salter, Michael Laszczyk and Jordan Kingi each booted two goals for the Hawks, while the likes of Olsen, Liam Axford and Eddie Morris all played strong matches.
Warragul will play their Round 16 game against Maffra this weekend, where they will try and keep their finals hopes alive.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 15
Noble Park recorded a massive win on Saturday, taking care of Montrose on the road – 24.7 (151) to 12.12 (84).
The Bulls slammed on 13 second half goals as Kyle Martin (four goals) and Piva Wright (five goals) ran riot.
Rowville fell to Vermont in a top four battle. Vermont took control of the game with a six-goal to one opening term and recorded a 16.11 (107) to 9.11 (65) win.
Matthew Traynor and Riley D’Arcy (five goals) were best in a disappointing day for Rowville.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 16
The Doveton Eagles bounced back from last week’s defeat with a hard-fought win over Murrumbeena at home, 12.11 (83) to 8.7 (55).
Cameron Carmody was best for the Eagles, while Russell Robertson booted four goals.
Keysborough was challenged at times by Caulfield, but its class shone through as the side claimed a 14.8 (92) to 9.7 (61) win at home.
Chris Bryan (five goals) was electric up forward and James Anwyl played a pivotal role.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 15
In Division 3, Hampton Park was a class above Hallam, claiming a cruisy 14.7 (91) to 5.4 (34) win. Reece Smart and Justin Hill (six goals) dominated for the Redbacks, while Jonathan Daly and Rory McIvor battled hard all day for the Hawks.
Endeavour Hills powered away in the final term against Heatherton to record a 13.13 (91) to 7.6 (48) win at home. Nick Gay and Daniel Morrison were sublime for the Falcons, while Reagan Maddaford was best for Heatherton.
Springvale Districts claimed a 114-point win over South Yarra on the road. The Dees held the Lions goalless after half-time to run out 19.22 (136) to 3.4 (22) winners. Peter Heng was best in a team effort for the Dees.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 16
It was a top of the table battle at Marriott Waters Reserve and Carrum Patterson Lakes defeated Lyndhurst.
Carrum Patterson Lakes held Lyndhurst to just one behind in the first half and went onto claim a 10.9 (69) to 6.5 (41) win.
The class of Matthew Ryan and Liam Hickman shone through as Carrum Patterson Lakes moved a win clear on top. Despite the loss, Jason Twite and Charlie Gardiner impressed for the Lightning.
Lyndale flexed its muscle against Sandown, recording a 12.2 (74) to 2.3 (15) win. Moses Faaola dominated for the Pumas, while Trevor Kumetaitis slotted four majors.
Dandenong claimed its third win of the season in a thriller against Moorabbin. With both teams trading punches all day, the Redlegs were in front when it mattered most to claim a 16.5 (101) to 13.15 (93) win.
Jayke Hopkins (four goals) was brilliant and David Barrie’s four goals were also vital.
VAFA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 16
St Johns was no match for Yarra Old Grammarians at Doncaster Reserve. After being held goalless in the first half, St Johns improved in the second half, but the game was already well out of reach.
Anthony Brannan and Rohan Scott battled valiantly for St Johns in the 17.14 (116) to 7.6 (48) loss.
