By Tyler Lewis
AROUND THE GROUNDS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 17
Devon Meadows went down to the ladder-leading Red Hill on the weekend, 2.5 (17) to 9.15 (69).
The Panthers held the Hillmen at bay for the opening half but, as good sides do, the Hillmen got off the chain and burst away with another victory.
At the main break, the Panthers were only trailing by eight points, but a goalless second half proved costly as Red Hill piled on six majors in contrast.
Pearcedale, meanwhile, suffered another heavy defeat at the hands of Langwarrin, 23.15 (153) to 2.6 (18).
Huw Jones was named best afield for the Dales while ex-North Melbourne listed player Tim McGenniss – gearing up for a mammoth finals series – was named the best for the Roos with his three majors.
The Dales face the imposing Karingal this week to avoid finishing on the bottom of the ladder, and will have to either cause one of the upsets of the season or lose by less than the last-placed Crib Point, which faces Tyabb.
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 15
The Parrots demonstrated the gap between fourth and fifth when they thrashed Drouin on the weekend, 21.16 (142) to 3.3 (21).
Will Collins was named best afield for Drouin, while Tom Marriot (four goals) shone for Leongatha.
And after a strong first half, Warragul was pipped out of the match late to Morwell, 12.9 (81) to 10.6 (66).
Kim Drew was again among the best for the Gulls while Tyler Hillier was impressive for the Tigers with four majors.
EASTERN FOOTBLL LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND 15
Despite going down 8.9 (57) to 12.11 (83) to South Croydon, it was still a remarkable day for Noble Park.
Nathan Oakes – who was named best-on for the Bulls – was meant to be in the stands for another four weeks with a meniscus injury, but four weeks was enough for the young Bull as he returned as if he hadn’t missed a minute.
Current Frankston Dolphin-listed forward Ali Zijai also kicked two majors in his side’s loss.
Rowville finds itself clinging on to the top-four after the Hawks went down, 11.21 (87) to 5.5 (35) to the ladder-leading Vermont.
Anthony Brolic was a powerful force for the Hawks but he wasn’t enough to stop the rampant Eagles who are gearing up for yet another premiership launch.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 16
The Doveton Eagles were unable to secure third spot in their crucial clash against Murrumbeena, going down 14.13 (97) to 9.12 (66).
The Lions’ elite accuracy in the opening term allowed them to run away with the victory. Both sides had seven scoring shots in the first stanza but the Lions were able to convert all their shots to take a 20-point buffer into quarter time.
Simon Clarke continued his good form for the Eagles being named best afield, while stablemate Jye Sigersma (three goals) kicked his 19th major from just six games in 2019.
Keysborough put away Chelsea Heights with ease as they ran away 13.14 (92) to 6.6 (42) victors.
Matt Carnelley proved once again that three is his magic number with yet another triple – making it the eighth time he has done so this season.
DIVISION 3
Despite trailing at every break, Hampton Park demonstrated why it’s the team to beat – edging out third-placed Clayton on Saturday, 12.14 (86) to 11.14 (80).
A six-goal third term put the Redbacks back in it as they surged out to a remarkable four-win gap from the second-placed Endeavour Hills.
Endeavour Hills, meanwhile, coasted to victory against Cerberus, 15.29 (119) to 2.6 (18).
Although not requiring the percentage boost, the Hills had the opportunity to demolish Cerberus even further but were extremely inaccurate in front of goal – kicking 4.13 (37) in the opening term to just two behinds.
DIVISION 4
Hallam punished Lyndale in a stupendous 27.14 (176) to 3.1 (19) victory.
Hallam, which sits percentage ahead of Moorabbin, piled on nine goals to none in the premiership term and didn’t stop there with another seven in the final quarter.
Max Little was among the best for the Pumas in the monumental loss.
Lyndhurst , meanwhile, put Moorabbin to the sword in its 20.9 (129) to 3.6 (24) win.
Jarryd McGrath was dominant with six majors in a best afield performance while Matt Johansson was the best for the Roos.
Carrum-Patterson Lakes had a field day against Dandenong, running riot with a 17.23 (125) to 5.4 (34) win.
With a six-goal to none opening term, the game was finished at the first interval. Aaron Wilson kicked another handful to go with his 48 this season.
VFLW
ROUND 13
The Casey Demons had an emphatic one-point victory over Darebin on Sunday, 2.6 (18) to 2.5 (17).
Kate Hore was the only goal kicker for the Demons in a strong performance.
The Demons still remain in touch with finals but will have to finish strongly over the next three rounds.
