By Nick Creely
AROUND THE GROUNDS
VFL
ROUND 12
The Casey Demons have suffered its first loss of the VFL season, going down by just a point to the GWS Giants on Saturday night, 8.7 (55) to 7.12 (54).
The previously undefeated Demons looked to have sown up another win when it skipped out to a four goal lead through the third term at Casey Fields in typically frosty conditions, but the Giants fought back into the contest before holding on despite late chances from Toby Bedford and Ryan Sparkes.
Despite the loss, there was plenty of like from a Dees perspective – Beaconsfield’s Jimmy Munro racked up 22 touches and 14 tackles in a typically bullocking display, Sam Weideman slotted three, while Jake Bowey was a standout with 29 touches and eight marks.
SOUTHERN
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 12
Ladder leaders Springvale Districts have moved to a 10-0 start, brushing aside Skye with ease, 13.12 (90) to 5.6 (36).
The clash was somewhat even at half-time, with the Dees holding just a five-point advantage, but stormed away with a nine-goal to one second half.
Spearhead Matt Wetering slammed home another six majors to move to 53 for the season – it would be no surprise to see him wearing VFL colours at some point.
Billy Green, Cory Hutchinson and Daniel Spence were all named in the best for the Dees.
Keysborough, meanwhile, went down to East Brighton by 57 points, 13.17 (95) to 5.8 (38).
The Burras were in the contest at the final change – down by just 19 points – but were blown out of the water by the home side that slammed on six unanswered majors.
And Hampton Park banked a gritty 16 point win against Chelsea Heights at Robert Booth Reserve, 11.3 (69) to 7.11 (53).
The Redbacks were trailing at the final change but clicked into gear when it mattered, with Luke O’Brien (three goals), Liam Myatt (three goals), Travis Davis and Jackson Fry among the best.
DIVISION 3
Endeavour Hills played some of its best football of the season against South Yarra, 19.17 (131) to 3.1 (19).
The Falcons – sparked by a brilliant seven-goal performance from Sam McLean – were clinical from the outset.
In the remaining game, Narre South Saints banked percentage with a dominant win against Doveton Eagles, 31.26 (212) to 0.2 (2).
DIVISION 4
Division 4 saw Hallam bank a 46-point win against Cerberus at home, 9.11 (65) to 2.7 (19).
The Hawks were held scoreless at quarter time – trailing by four points – but slammed on five second quarter goals to ultimately set up the result.
After half-time, the visitors fought back but the Hawks had enough class to claim the four points.
Jack Sharlassian’s dynamic form continued with a bag of four, Matt Jerram, Patrick Tatt and the ever consistent Rory McIvor were also named in the best.
And a wasteful Lyndale fell by 11 points to Moorabbin Kangaroos at Widdop Crescent, 12.10 (82) to 9.17 (71). In the remaining match, Lyndhurst was a class above Dandenong, 16.13 (109) to 1.5 (11).
MPNFL
DIVISION TWO – ROUND 13
A fast starting Devon Meadows has held on for a 20-point win against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, 13.12 (90) to 11.4 (70).
The Panthers set the game up with a dynamic, unanswered six goal first term, and despite the Seagulls actually winning the rest of the match, it was too little too late.
Aaron Johns was the standout on the day for the Panthers, with Isaac Barassi also in fine touch with two goals.
Pearcedale, meanwhile, went down in disappointing fashion to Tyabb at home, 10.6 (66) to 4.10 (34).
VFLW
ELIMINATION FINAL
It is season over for the Casey Demons, who went down by just three solitary points in the VFLW elimination final to Essendon on Saturday, 5.5 (35) to 5.2 (32).
In front of their home crowd, the Bombers broke the game open with a four-goal second quarter, but the Dees managed to fight their way in front in the final term before Lauren Ahrens broke hearts with the sealer in the dying minutes.
Casey Sherriff (20 disposals), Brenna Tarrant and Jacqueline Perry were also solid contributors in the losing cause.
