By Hayley Wildes, Nick Creely and Russell Bennett
AROUND THE GROUNDS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
DIVISION TWO – ROUND 18
Pearcedale finished off its season in disappointing fashion, falling by 107-points to finals bound Langwarrin at Lloyd Park on Saturday, 21.19 (145) to 5.8 (38).
The Panthers stood no chance after coughing up six unanswered first term goals, and saw their deficit blow out to 80 by half time, with goal machine Jesse Murphy (seven goals) running amok to be in for a big day.
The visitors fought admirably to boot three goals in the third, but fell away again as the Kangaroos surged away to a mammoth victory.
Luke Dalmau was a shining light – booting two of the Panthers’ five goals – while Damien Scully was also solid.
Devon Meadows, meanwhile, were no match for premiership fancies Red Hill away from home, 20.9 (129) to 5.4 (34).
The win was set up from an astonishing 12 goal first term to the Hillmen, maintaining their 71 point quarter time lead to run out dominant winners.
The Division Two finals kick off this weekend, with Red Hill taking on Karingal and Chelsea taking on Langwarrin.
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 13
Emerald proved the class difference in the quality of its side compared to those on the bottom couple of rungs on the Division 1 ladder on Saturday when the Bombers easily accounted for Belgrave at Chandler Reserve, 14.16 (100) to 1.7 (13).
The Bombers jumped out to a six-goal-to-one quarter-time advantage before extending their lead to a match-winning 52 points by the main change. They then kept the foot down in a commanding second half performance with the likes of Jarrod Marshall, Sean Kelleher and Nic Jansen doing the bulk of the damage.
In Division 2, meanwhile, Gembrook Cockatoo continues to firm as a legitimate premiership threat following a 39-point win at home over Alexandra – 14.16 (100) to 9.7 (61). The Brookers now sit fourth, two games clear of the fifth-placed Rebels. Once again, new recruit Joel Gibson proved his quality with a best on ground display for Matt O’Neil’s side while Dan Leversha, Damien Volta, and Michael Firrito were also particularly influential.
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 16
Warragul sit just percentage outside of the top five after a comfortable 27 point win against Maffra at Western Park, 12.10 (82) to 8.7 (55).
The Gulls produced a sublime performance against the ladder leaders to draw within reach of Moe in fourth and Traralgon in fifth, but will need to keep on winning to stand a chance to keep the pressure on.
The home side got off to a fast start to take a 16 point quarter time lead, but the Eagles bit back to draw within reach at half time as expected.
But, with their finals hopes hanging on for another week, the Gulls booted seven goals to four after half time to take the points, with Brayden Fowler slotting five in a dominant performance.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 16
Noble Park put up a great fight against Doncaster on Saturday, but ultimately fell at Pat Wright Senior Oval, 10.12 (72) to 9.7 (61).
Piva Wright (five goals) was sublime for the Bulls, while Ali Zijai was in fine form.
Rowville, meanwhile, returned to the winners’ list with a comprehensive win over Knox at Seebeck Oval. The Hawks kicked nine goals to one in a dominant first half and went on to win 16.16 (112) to 9.9 (63).
Steven Georgiou and Callan Burns (three goals) were best for the Hawks.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 17
The Doveton Eagles easily accounted for Mount Waverley at Power Reserve to remain on top of the ladder.
A barnstorming ten-goal to one opening term set the scene for a 19.20 (134) to 10.8 (68) win. Nick Battle and Nicholas Beer were best for the Eagles.
In a top-four battle, Keysborough was overrun by Highett in the second half. The Burras led by 10 points at half time, but Highett used a dominant third term to run away with a 15.12 (102) to 13.6 (84) win. Chris Bryan booted six majors and took an absolute screamer that brought the crowd to their feet.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 16
Hampton Park led at every change to defeat Ashwood at Robert Booth Reserve. Cameron Williamson (four goals) was best on ground as the Redbacks claimed a 12.11 (83) to 6.7 (43) win.
Hallam battled valiantly against Heatherton, but was unable to get the win, falling 10.9 (69) to 9.4 (58). Rory McIvor and Mitchell Lambert were superb for the Hawks, while Reagan Maddaford and Callum Cusack were dominant for Heatherton.
Springvale Districts sent a message to the rest of the competition with a thumping win over the third-placed Endeavour Hills Falcons.
The Dees’ defence was stifling all game as they recorded a 13.9 (87) to 3.7 (25) win. Daniel Morris was best for Springvale Districts, while Daniel Morrison battled hard for Endeavour Hills.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 17
The top-placed Carrum Patterson Lakes ran riot against Sandown as Alex Wilson (six goals) and Brenton Rafferty (five goals) put on a show up forward.
Sandown was never in the contest as Carrum Patterson Lakes ran out 24.16 (160) to 4.8 (32) winners. Andrew Curd was impressive for Carrum Patterson Lakes and Scott Jackman was a warrior for Sandown.
With just one round left to play, Carrum Patterson Lakes have officially sewn up top spot.
The third-placed Frankston Dolphins showed they’re a genuine premiership threat with a dominant win over the second-placed Lyndhurst Lightning at Overport Park.
Frankston led at every change, eventually running out 13.11 (89) to 7.7 (49) winners. Sam Turner and Hayden Armstrong powered the Dolphins forward, while Josh Kerrigan booted four goals.
Despite the loss, Jesse Walia and Jason Twite impressed for the Lightning.
VAFA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 17
St Johns were comprehensively beaten by Whitefriars Football Club, set up by a 10-goal to two first half.
St Johns were never in the contest as Whitefriars claimed a 17.16 (118) to 5.4 (34) win. Glenn Costas and Rohan Scott battled hard all day for St John’s.
