By Nick Creely
EASTERN
PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND 10
Noble Park returned to some electric form in the Eastern Football League top-flight with a barnstorming win against North Ringwood away from home, 19.9 (123) to 5.7 (37).
The Bulls were never headed after a five goal to two first term, extending the margin out to 35 at half time.
But the visitors weren’t done with it just yet in an exciting performance.
Slamming on 11 goals to three in the second half, the Bulls banked valuable percentage and impenetrable momentum and now hold onto third spot on the table quite comfortably ahead of a crucial block of footy.
Ali Zijai was the star of the show, kicking four goals in a classy display, Jack Sketcher was typically busy, while Liam Scott and the great Kyle Martin were also in the best, racking up another stack of the footy.
Rowville, meanwhile, didn’t have as enjoyable a day, going down to Balwyn by a whopping 79 points, 18.11 (119) to 4.16 (40).
The Hawks just couldn’t find its kicking boots, snaring four majors from 20 scoring shots on a tough afternoon.
SOUTHERN
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 11
Keysborough full forward and suburban football champion Matthew Carnelley reached a monumental milestone in senior football on Saturday, kicking his 1000th goal.
As the Burras prepared to welcome bottom placed Murrumbeena to its home ground in front of a vocal crowd, Carnelley needed just three majors to reach the 1000 in what has been a storied career where the goals have flowed from his right leg.
On Saturday, Carnelley not only pushed past the milestone but bagged out – snagging seven majors as his side banked a dominant 73-point win in Southern’s Division 2, 19.8 (122) to 6.13 (49).
As he has been during his long and illustrious career, Carnelley was razor-sharp in front of goal, marking everything in his wake as he thrilled the crowd.
It was a starring performance befitting the occasion.
The win was also an important one for the Burra, who sit in third – one game clear of Caulfield Bears in fourth.
Hampton Park, meanwhile, were outclassed by the Bears at Koornang Park, 22.13 (145) to 6.6 (42).
The Redbacks were never really in the contest after trailing by 32 points at quarter time, kicking just three goals to 14 in the remaining three quarters.
DIVISION 3
Endeavour Hills were on song against the Doveton Eagles at Barry Simon Reserve, banking some valuable percentage along the way, 25.24 (174) to 4.2 (26).
The fifth-placed Falcons needed to win big, and they did, racing out to a 44-point quarter time lead to secure the win before piling on 18 goals to three after the first change.
Ben Holland was particularly destructive, bagging out with six goals next to his name, while Dylan Grayson, Byron Parton and Liam Hasler were all instrumental.
Hamish Williams and Joshua Johns didn’t stop trying all day for the Eagles.
Narre South Saints, meanwhile, fell just short by 12 points to Black Rock, at William Street, 10.11 (71) to 8.11 (59).
The fourth-placed Saints gave the ladder leaders a real challenge, leading at quarter time before the home side steadied the ship and maintained a slight lead throughout the contest.
DIVISION 4
Hallam outclassed Dandenong at Greaves Reserve, 18.13 (121) to 9.11 (65).
The Hawks were far too good despite some fight in the first half from the home side, booting 10 goals to three after the main break to bank the impressive win.
Jack Sharlassian had his kicking boots on, snagging six majors, while David Coignet played a starring role for the visitors.
In the remaining matches, Lyndale were unable to claw back, going down by 18 points to Cerberus, 9.9 (63) to 6.9 (45), while Lyndhurst banked a 31-point win against the Frankston Dolphins, 9.7 (61) to 4.6 (30).
MPNFL
DIVISION TWO – ROUND 12
Devon Meadows found some of its best football, knocking off Rye by 36 points on Saturday, 15.5 (95) to 8.11 (59).
The Panthers took just over a quarter to break the Demons down before holding an 11 point lead at half time and extending that with a dominant nine goal to four second half.
Ty Kirkwood was once again a shining light for the home side, Hayden Murphy slammed home four majors in his first game of the season, while Stefan Baumgartner’s impressive 2021 campaign just keeps rolling on.
Pearcedale, meanwhile, escaped with a thrilling two point win against Crib Point, 9.8 (62) to 9.6 (60).
The Panthers got off to the fast to boot the first three in the first quarter, before the Magpies fought back to reduce the half-time deficit to just 10 points.
The game went down to the wire as the Magpies surged home, but the Panthers held firm to bank its third win of the season.
Jake Frawley showcased his talents with an eye-catching two goal display, while Connor Benwell and Kaolan Thornton and Luke Settineri were all named in the best.
VFLW
ROUND 14
Despite a final round loss, the Casey Demons are finals bound in the VFLW.
The Demons went down by 12 points to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, 5.10 (40) to 4.4 (28).
While the visitors were always in the contest, due to some errant kicking in front of goal by the Doggies, the class of the home side in the end proved enough.
Casey Sherriff (19 disposals, one goal) was eye-catching for the Demons, while Jacqueline Parry slotted two among 17 disposals to be a constant attacking threat.
The Demons – who finished fourth on the ladder – now take on Essendon in the VFLW elimination final, with the time and dates to be confirmed this week.
