By Hayley Wildes
AROUND THE GROUNDS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 2
Devon Meadows moved to 2-1 on the season after a hard-fought win over Crib Point at Glover Reserve, 9.14 (68) to 9.3 (57).
Inaccurate kicking almost cost the Panthers, but Michael Theodoridis (three goals) and Leigh Craig (two goals) kept the scoreboard ticking over, while Joel Hillis and Simon Hallsworth were impressive across the ground.
Pearcedale was absolutely slaughtered by Red Hill as the Panthers were held scoreless in the first half to trail by 71 points at the main break.
It didn’t get any better after half time either as Harry Wynn-Pope and Jonathon Ross (five goals) led Red Hill to a massive 154-point win, 24.25 (169) to 2.3 (15).
The Panthers didn’t have many winners across the ground in a disastrous day.
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 2
After a strong Round 1 win, Drouin crashed back to earth against Moe on the weekend.
The Lions were outstanding all day and went into half time with a commanding 12.6 (78) to 2.5 (17) lead. Spencer White (four goals) and Lachlan Macleod (three goals) ran riot for Moe as Lions ran out 92-point winners, 19.16 (130) to 5.8 (38).
In a tough day at the office, Eddy Morris and Liam Anderson were best for Drouin.
Warragul was unable to overcome a slow start against Sale at Western Park. The Gulls found themselves down by 35 points at the main break and despite battling hard in the second half, was never truly in the match.
Nicholas Mulqueen and Ned Tworkowski were best for Warragul, but it wasn’t enough as Sale ran out 31-point winners, 13.16 (94) to 9.9 (63).
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ROUND 2
Noble Park’s impressive start to the season continued on Saturday as they recorded a convincing win over Montrose, 16.11 (107) to 8.10 (58).
It was an even first half, and with a quarter to play the Bulls led by just 11 points, but an eight-goal to two fourth quarter saw Noble Park record a resounding 49-point win.
Jackson Sketcher and Lachlan McDonnell (two goals) were best for the Bulls and the young side has shown plenty in the opening two rounds of the season.
Rowville was far too strong for South Croydon at home.
The Hawks used a nine-goal to one first quarter to take total control of the contest and with Ziggie Alwan (six goals) and Damian Garner (five goals) combining to run rings around the Bulldogs defence, Rowville waltzed to a 20.10 (130) to 9.13 (67) win and sit on top of the ladder.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 2
Keysborough showed no mercy against a hapless Heatherton outfit to remain undefeated. The Burras kept Heatherton goalless in the first half and a nine-goal to zero final quarter saw Keysborough storm home to a massive 127-point win, 23.18 (156) to 4.5 (29).
Chris Bryan and Matthew Carnelley (five goals each) were superb up forward, while Bryce Sutton and Tamas Siposs were unstoppable across the ground.
Doveton was a class above Caulfield as the Eagles took control of that contest after quarter time.
Doveton’s seven-goal to three third term saw them jump out to a convincing lead and with Nicholas Beer and Nicholas Battle roaming freely, the Eagles ran out 19.20 (134) to 10.4 (64) winners.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 2
Hampton Park made it two wins from two games to kick off season 2019, taking care of Endeavour Hills at Barry Simon Reserve.
In a tight and see-sawing battle, the lead changed hands often, but when it mattered most, the Redbacks were able to get the job done to score a win, 12.13 (85) to 11.8 (74).
Peter Dye (four goals) was a massive presence up forward, while Phillip Nanfra and Cameron Williamson were impressive for Hampton Park. Jarrod Marolla and Alexander Cann were best for Endeavour Hills.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 2
After breaking their 595-day losing streak in Round 1, Hallam continued on their merry way against Lyndale at Barry Powell Reserve.
Clearly loving life in Division 4, the Hawks demolished the Pumas as they got off to rampaging start with an 11-goal to zero first half.
Leading by 72 points at the main break, Hallam wasn’t content as Jack Sharlassian (six goals) and Rory McIvor (five goals) continued to pile on the pain up forward. Eventually, the Hawks ran out 130-point winners, 25.16 (166) to 5.6 (36).
Dion Cavallo and Joel Danilo were also impressive for the Hawks, while Lyndale was led by Kenneth Smart and Hayden Laszlo.
Lyndhurst fell agonisingly short of Moorabbin at home. The Lightning almost got over the line, but the Kangaroos hung on for a thrilling one-point win, 10.9 (69) to 10.8 (68).
Hamish Browning (four goals) was a force up forward for Lyndhurst, while David Ford and Jason Twite battled hard all day.
