By Nick Creely
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ROUND 3
Noble Park has moved to a 2-1 record in the Eastern Football League, pipping South Croydon in a cracking contest on Saturday, 9.9 (63) to 8.8 (56).
The Bulls were in fine touch in the first half, ultimately setting up the game.
With a four goal first term, followed by three in the second, the home side raced out to a 32-point half-time lead, showcasing some of its most electrifying footy in front of its home crowd.
But the Bulldogs found some bite.
In a stunning comeback, the visitors slammed on five goals in the third term to cut the margin back to just nine with a quarter to play, but the home side held firm defensively to shut the game down in the last term and secure the four points.
Kyle Martin was once again everywhere for the Bulls to be best afield, Mitch Riordan (two goals) was equally impressive, while Ryan Morrison, Jack Sketcher and Ben Marson were in the best.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2
ROUND 4
Springvale Districts’ barnstorming start to 2021 continued, with the unbeaten Demons belting Heatherton, 18.11 (119) to 8.6 (54).
The home side were never truly threatened, winning each quarter comfortably in its 65 point win.
Matt Wetering slotted four to take his tally to 15 for the season, Darren Sheen kicked three and Adam Read three to be a major threat up forward, while John Walker and Matt Thompson were simply superb.
Keysborough were also big winners, knocking off Hampton at Peterson Street, 16.16 (112) to 6.7 (43).
Off the back of a six-goal haul from Matt Carnelley, who is putting together a superb opening month of the season, the Burras were electrifying in its all-round four quarter display.
Timmy Werner was also instrumental, while Geoff Humphreys was solid for the visitors.
In the remaining game, Hampton Park was solid in its 11.12 (78) to 9.11 (65) win over Skye at home.
The Redbacks always held sway in the contest, leading at every change, but the Bombers battled valiantly with a strong last term to provide a few nervous moments.
Taylor Rainey, Steven Stredwick and Darcy Hope (two goals) all impressed for the in-form Redbacks.
DIVISION 3
Endeavour Hills were too good for the Doveton Eagles, 18.15 (123) to 2.3 (15).
A best on ground display from Sam Mclean (six goals) thrilled the crowd, with the Falcons doing what it needed to bank the points and some percentage.
The Narre South Saints, meanwhile, were outclassed by Black Rock at Strathaird Reserve, 21.11 (137) to 10.10 (70).
While they were well and truly in the contest with a 20-point deficit at half-time, the visitors blew the game open with a 12 goal to four second half.
DIVISION 4
Division 4 saw an absolute thriller, with Hallam holding on, but only just against Dandenong, 11.5 (71) to 10.10 (70).
Holding sway for the majority of the day, the Hawks led by 26 at quarter time, 28 at half-time, and 27 at three quarter time, before a stunning surge from the Redlegs almost pinched a famous win.
Down and out, the Redlegs slammed on four unanswered goals in the final quarter but the Hawks did just enough to bank a thrilling win.
Rory McIvor was the star, booting five for the Hawks, while Mark Coe was also named in the best for the home team.
In other games, Cerberus was a class above Lyndale, 13.15 (93) to 2.5 (17), while Lyndhurst thumped Frankston Dolphins, 17.10 (112) to 2.6 (18).
MPNFL DIVISION 2
ROUND 5
Devon Meadows has moved to a 3-2 record with a comprehensive victory against Tyabb, 11.18 (84) to 5.6 (36).
The win could have been greater if not for some errant goal kicking from the Panthers, but were never threatened throughout the day.
Taking in a 22-point quarter time lead, the Panthers did what it needed to thereafter despite missing plenty of chances in front of goal.
Pearcedale, meanwhile, fell to Karingal in a high-scoring affair, 19.14 (128) to 16.10 (106).
The Panthers never looked likely to push for victory after trailing by 39 at three quarter time, but the home side sparked into action with a six-goal final term to finish the game strongly.
Luke Daniel slotted six for the Panthers, while Jake Frawley also booted four in a commanding display.
VFLW
ROUND 9
Casey Demons banked an impressive 42 point win against North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon, 10.8 (68) to 4.2 (26).
The Dees always had the advantage, but set the game up with a dominant four-goal term to lead by 33 at half time.
Not taking the foot off the pedal, the visitors were solid in the second half to shut the game away.
Eliza West’s stunning season continued with another best afield display, while Elizabeth Birch was also solid for the Dees.
