By Nick Creely and Hayley Wildes
AROUND THE GROUNDS
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 16
Emerald were unable to overcome a fast starting Upwey Tecoma away from home on Saturday, with the Tigers running out comfortable winners, 13.12 (90) to 10.9 (69).
The Tigers booted four unanswered goals in the first term, and held onto that lead by squaring up the second quarter.
To the Bombers’ credit, they fought out the game admirably to claw back from 45 points down to just under four straight kicks at the final siren.
Jonathon Bishop, Lachlan Sheppard and Jarrod Marshall were among the best for the Bombers, while Josh Rich snared three goals.
In Division 2, meanwhile, Gembrook Cockatoo maintained their blistering run ahead of finals with a win against Yea, 13.9 (87) to 9.15 (69).
The Tigers simply had no answers for Paul Gramc, who booted five to be the match winner, while the likes of Damien Volta, Matthew Templeton (three goals) and Tarkyn Lockyer were all excellent.
After opening up a 31 point lead at quarter time, the Brookers extended their handy lead to 45 at the final change, but the Tigers fought hard to kick four unanswered majors in the final quarter.
The Brookers – who will finish fourth on the ladder – will round out their preparations for finals when they host Powelltown on Saturday.
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 17
Drouin’s highly impressive late season form continued on Saturday, with the Hawks producing a fine performance against Morwell, 14.13 (97) to 7.6 (48).
The Hawks were down by a straight kick at quarter time, but were dominant thereafter, slamming on six goals in the second quarter to steal a five goal, match winning lead that blew out to 49 by the final siren.
On a terrific day for the Hawks, Josh Seri’s five goal display proved pivotal, while the usual suspects in Eddie Morris, Bob McCallum and Jordan Kingi were solid.
Sale, meanwhile, delivered a blow to Warragul’s finals hopes in a nail biter, 8.13 (61) to 8.3 (51).
In the final round of the home and away season this weekend, the Gulls simply must defeat Bairnsdale and hope Traralgon lose to Morwell in order to be part of the finals.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
DIVISION TWO – WEEK 1 FINALS
Red Hill powered away to a barnstorming qualifying final win against Karingal at Somerville on Saturday, 8.11 (59) to 3.9 (27).
The Hillmen were up by seven points at three quarter time in a slow scoring encounter, before slamming the door shut by kicking four unanswered goals in the final term.
Down at RJ Rowley Reserve on Sunday, Langwarrin knocked out Chelsea from the premiership race in a tight elimination final, 9.15 (69) to 8.9 (57).
The Kangaroos got the jump to lead by 28 at quarter time, and managed to hold off the Seagulls, who came close to running all over the top of their opponents with a gallant final term.
Dromana will take on Red Hill in the second semi-final at Hastings on Saturday, while Karingal get another chance on Sunday when they do battle with Langwarrin.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 17
Noble Park came to play against Rowville and delivered a thrilling upset win over the Hawks at Seebeck Oval on Saturday.
A five-goal to one second term set up the win for the Bulls as Jake Gains, Cosimo Anagnostou and Piva Wright (three goals) played pivotal roles across the ground.
The Hawks came storming home in the final term, but were unable to pull off the comeback, falling short by 10 points – 11.13 (79) to 10.9 (69).
Aaron Bond was impressive for Rowville in a disappointing day that now sees them fall to fifth with a round to play. A win against the lowly East Ringwood Kangaroos on Saturday will guarantee the Hawks a finals berth.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 18
On the eve of finals, the Doveton Eagles sent an ominous warning to the rest of the league as they claimed the minor premiership with a brutal 103-point win over the fourth-placed Keysborough, 23.16 (154) to 8.3 (51).
A barnstorming nine-goal second term set up the win as the Eagles – led by Darren Sheen (seven goals), Russell Robertson (four goals) and Nick Battle – flexed their muscle. Riet Pal stood up for the Burras.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 17
Endeavour Hills took care of the lowly Black Rock with an 11.9 (75) to 4.5 (29) win. Nathan Reid and Byron Hoe were dominant for the Falcons.
Hallam came agonisingly close to claiming its first win of the season but fell 7.4 (46) to 5.9 (39) against Ashwood. Rory McIvor and Dylan Thompson almost got the Hawks over the line with superb performances.
Hampton Park’s dominant season continued with a demolition of South Yarra. A nine-goal to one opening term had the game all but won at quarter-time and the Redbacks went onto win 22.18 (150) to 3.8 (26). Michael Henry was sublime for Hampton Park.
Springvale Districts claimed a win over Heatherton, 13.15 (93) to 4.3 (27). Mladen Josic was best for the Dees, while Justin Whyte was strong for Heatherton.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 18
In the final round of the season, Dandenong claimed its fourth win of the season with a solid performance against the bottom-placed and highly inaccurate Sandown Cobras.
The Redlegs led at every change as Michael Scott’s fine season was completed with another striking performance, which included three goals. Dandenong claimed the win, 9.8 (62) to 3.13 (31).
For the Cobras, Nathan Isles and Shane Cosstick were best.
Carrum Patterson Lakes – who had already wrapped up the minor premiership – were beaten by Frankston in an absolute thriller. It was a back-and-forth battle all day, and with the Dolphins leading by one point at the final break, they held on for a classic win, 7.6 (48) to 7.5 (47).
Carrum Patterson Lakes were led by Toby Darma and Liam Hickman.
Lyndhurst was a class above Moorabbin as they held the Kangaroos scoreless for the first three quarters, eventually running out 17.16 (118) to 1.1 (7) winners. Jarrod Murphy (five goals) was dynamic for the Lightning.
Cerberus completely dominated Lyndale from start to finish to claim a massive 17.16 (118) to 1.1 (7) win. The Pumas had no answers for the offensive weapons that Cerberus possessed.
VAFA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 18
St Johns finished their season on a high with a win over Emmaus St Leos at home, 10.14 (74) to 8.3 (51). Glenn Costas was impressive, whilst Tim Edwards booted four majors.
