By Nick Creely
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
PREMIER DIVISION – ROUND 12
These Bulls are rising fast.
Noble Park’s sublime form in the Eastern Football League’s top-flight continued on Saturday, with the Bulls comfortably brushing aside Doncaster East with a final quarter surge, 13.14 (92) to 11.6 (72).
In second-place on the table, the Bulls didn’t have it their own way throughout the contest – in fact the home side trailed at both half-time and the final change – but had enough class across the lines to slam on four goals to one in the final term.
The home side had 27 scoring shots as it pushes hard for top spot on the ladder in what has been an outstanding season so far.
Big man Kieren Byers was immense for the Bulls, controlling stoppages to have a big say on proceedings in the crucial moments of the contest, while regular ball winners Jack Sketcher and Kyle Martin lifted a cog when they needed to.
Liam Scott – after starring down back last week – booted three in another highly promising performance.
SOUTHERN
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 13
Springvale Districts goal machine Matt Wetering once again had a day out, snagging eight as his side banked a 76-point win against Heatherton, 17.15 (117) to 6.5 (41).
Wetering – who now has 61 snags from his 12 matches this season – was absolutely dominant as the Demons extended its unbeaten run in the competition in 2021.
The 11-0 Demons were also well served by Stefan Feehan (four goals), Daniel Spence and Matt Thompson in the dominant win – which was set up in the first term.
Keysborough were also big winners, with a 60-point drumming of Hampton, 14.6 (90) to 4.6 (30).
The Burra took just over a quarter to set the game up, leading by 23 points at half-time, before slamming on seven goals to one in the third and final quarters.
And Hampton Park banked a gritty 10-point win against Skye, 8.12 (60) to 6.14 (50).
DIVISION 3
The Doveton Eagles turned in one of its most promising performances in some time – and most valiant of the season – in a nail-biting draw with South Yarra, 11.1 (67) to 9.13 (67).
The Eagles led narrowly for the majority of the day, but the Lions fought back late from a 17-point deficit to tie up the game.
Despite the draw, it was a day of great optimism for the rebuilding club, with Leigh Tannahill the star of the show with four goals.
Joshua Johns, Brayden Oliver and Zakk Johns were named in the best for the Eagles, who will take plenty out of the performance.
Narre South Saints feasted on South Mornington to the tune of 126 points, 29.9 (183) to 9.3 (57).
Off the back of a scintillating 12 goal-haul from Danny Brewster, the Saints were at their best – particularly after quarter time – to blow the Tigers away in style.
Aside from Brewster, Brandon Nolan slotted six himself, while Dan Chin, Jimmy Sarinn and Nathan Brewster were all dominant figures on the day.
And Endeavour Hills fell narrowly short by six-points to Ashwood at Essex Heights Reserves, 14.7 (91) to 12.13 (85).
DIVISION 4
Hallam fired up against Lyndale at Barry Powell Reserve, with the Hawks winning by 66 points, 15.7 (97) to 4.7 (31).
The Hawks set the game up with an eye-catching five goal first term, and despite some fightback in the second term from the home side, the visitors slammed on four unanswered goals in the third to extend their margin to 48 points.
Brendan Reynolds’ strong season continued with a dominant display, while Ben Coutet, Tom Bradley and Jack Sharlassian combined for 10 goals on the day.
In the remaining match, Dandenong suffered a tough 150-point defeat to premiership favourites Carrum Patterson Lakes, 29.15 (189) to 5.9 (39).
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 14
Pearcedale has stormed home with a scintillating final term against Devon Meadows at Glover Reserve on Saturday, 13.12 (90) to 9.10 (64).
Scores were level at three quarter time, but the visitors were not to be denied the four points, slamming on six goals to two in the final term to register a comfortable four goal win.
Once again, Jake Frawley was the star, kicking three and providing a commanding presence, Luke Daniel kicked another five and has 39 for the season, while Cruiz West was also impressive.
For the home side, who will be disappointed with the final term fadeout, Aaron Johns was the best.
