By Nick Creely
AROUND THE GROUNDS
EASTERN
PREMIER DIVISION
ROUND 9
Not even a master class from Noble Park superstar Kyle Martin could drag the Bulls back from a slow start against Balwyn on Saturday, 17.11 (113) to 11.12 (78).
Martin was masterful, racking up the footy at will and snagging two, but the Bulls were made to pay for a slow start that saw them trail by 41 points at quarter time.
The Bulls dragged that margin back to 37 points at the major break, before coming out of the sheds like a team possessed.
In a scintillating third term, the visitors slammed on seven goals to two, bringing the margin down to just four points – setting up an intriguing final term.
However, the home side quickly shook off the third term jitters to kick away to a 35-point win after a six goal to one final term.
Aside from Martin, Blake O’Leary was impressive to snare four majors, Jake Gains was trusty all day, while Luke Bull played a fine game.
The Bulls still sit in third spot despite the untimely loss.
Ninth-placed Rowville, meanwhile, banked an excellent win against North Ringwood, 14.18 (102) to 8.8 (56).
The Hawks were never challenged after a five goal to one first term.
SOUTHERN
DIVISION 2
ROUND 10
Springvale Districts spearhead Matt Wetering is turning heads, and leaving defenders with sleepless nights.
The Demons forward snagged another haul on Saturday, kicking seven as his side won by 25 points against Caulfield Bears, 14.8 (92) to 10.7 (67).
It takes Wetering’s season tally to 49 from just nine matches as he takes the competition by storm.
Keysborough were also big winners on the weekend, downing Hampton Park by 37 points, 14.9 (93) to 7.14 (56).
The Redbacks led at quarter time and were right up for the contest, but poor kicking gave the Burras an opening.
The class of the visitors took hold in the second half as they banked an important win.
Burras legend Matt Carnelley is closing in on 1000 career goals, snagging five majors on the day.
He now needs just three to reach the magical milestone, which is well within reach this weekend at his home ground.
DIVISION 3
ROUND 10
Narre South Saints were offered a stern test by Ashwood on Saturday, but the fourth-placed Saints stood tall to record a 29-point win, 11.10 (76) to 5.17 (47).
While the home did lead the contest at every change, the visitors could have very nearly pinched a win had it not been for poor kicking at goal.
For the Saints, Brad Little was superb, while Brandon Nolan slotted five goals.
Doveton Eagles, meanwhile, went down to Black Rock, 16.17 (113) to 4.0 (24).
DIVISION 4
It was a day to remember for Dylan Diacono, who turned in a clutch performance to guide Dandenong to a memorable victory against Lyndale on Saturday, 10.11 (71) to 10.5 (65).
Times have been tough for the Redlegs, but you get the feeling this could be the win to really spark something.
Down by two goals at the final break, the previously winless Redlegs were led by Diacono, who carried his side on his back, and said ‘no more’.
Diacono slotted four in the final term, slotting five overall, to guide his side to a brilliant victory. At the key moments, and exactly when his side needed him, he stood tall.
Hallam, meanwhile, collected a comfortable win against Frankston, 9.8 (62) to 5.4 (34).
VFLW
ROUND 13
The Casey Demons were in frightening form at home on Saturday afternoon, dominating Darebin Falcons to record a 53-point win, 9.6 (60) to 1.1 (7).
It wasn’t just defensively that the Demons were arrow-tight, but offensively with the side showcasing some electrifying football.
The home side was never troubled after racing out to a three goal lead at quarter time, and despite conceding a second quarter goal, didn’t concede a single scoring shot after half-time in a dominant display.
There was plenty to like from an individual perspective – Jacqueline Perry snared two goals among 14 disposals, Megan Fitzsimon (21 disposals), Eliza West (22) and Eliza McNamara (22) won plenty of footy, while Imogen Milford was electric with two goals.
The fourth place Dees take on the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon from 1pm.
MPNFL
DIVISION TWO
ROUND 11
Devon Meadows were taught a harsh lesson against ladder leaders Langwarrin on Saturday at Lloyd Park, going down by 93 points, 18.20 (128) to 5.5 (35).
The undefeated Kangaroos were merciless after half time, kicking 13 goals to two in the third and fourth quarters to run away with the dominant victory.
Ex-Sydney Swan Zac Foot was the star returning from VFL duties, snagging six goals for the Kangaroos in a class display, while another ex-AFL player in Mark Baguley sent three through the big sticks.
Ty Kirkwood and Stefan Baumgartner were named in the best for the Panthers, who now boast a 5-4 record and will take plenty of learnings out of the loss.
Pearcedale, meanwhile, were also outclassed, going down to Mornington in a high scoring affair, 24.5 (149) to 12.5 (87).
The Doggies were remarkably accurate in front of goal, with spearhead Jackson Calder absolutely dominant with eight majors.
But the Panthers battled valiantly and were actually just nine down at half time, with Luke Daniel’s seven goals a major highlight.
