By Hayley Wildes, Nick Creely and Russell Bennett
AROUND THE GROUNDS
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 1
Emerald opened its account on the opening day of the AFL Yarra Ranges season, claiming a 28-point victory away to Healesville, 14.10 (94) to 19.8 (122).
The Bombers trailed by a goal at the end of the first but slammed home seven second-term majors to take the ascendency leading into the main break.
Though the Bloods wouldn’t go down without a fight – cutting the margin to under two straight kicks with a quarter left to play – the visitors had all the answers right when they needed them most.
Brent Moloney booted four for the Bombers with Jake Pedder and the returning Nic Jansen slotting three apiece. The Dompietro boys – Michael and Mat – were two of the stars of the show for the visitors.
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 1
Five majors from favourite son and North Melbourne 275-gamer Michael ‘Spud’ Firrito wasn’t enough to keep Seville from running away with the four points in a commanding win over Gembrook Cockatoo, 12.13 (85) to 23.15 (153).
The Brookers trailed by just five points at quarter time but that margin continued to balloon throughout the remainder of the contest as the visitors simply had too many contributors. Firrito was clearly the standout for the Brookers with his haul, while the returning Damien Volta also impressed.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
ROUND 3
Devon Meadows’ bright start to Division 2 football continued on Saturday, with the Panthers withstanding a late Somerville comeback to move to fourth spot on the ladder.
While the Panthers dominated the opening term away from home, it was kicking that let them down, with the visiting side having to be content with a 15 point lead after kicking 5.6 to 3.3.
Gun forward Michael Theodoridis was up and about, and combined with Allan Murray at his feet, pushed the margin out to 26 at half time after a more accurate, clinical six goal second term.
The attacking style the Panthers rode with in the first half continued on, with another four goal quarter stretching the margin out to 32 points at the final break.
With some momentum at its heels, the Eagles roared back to have a sniff, with classy playmaker Billy Rolfe (three goals) and Levi Hughes particularly prominent.
The Eagles kicked an extraordinary 2.9 in the final term and were rampaging home, but wayward goal kicking meant they would fall 14 points short in a match the Panthers could count themselves lucky in, 12.18 (90) to 15.14 (104).
Down at Pearcedale, a fast starting Panthers got the chocolates over Langwarrin in a fascinating game of football.
The Panthers jumped out of the blocks to gain a 29 point quarter time advantage, but the Roos fought back hard, drawing the margin back to four points before the siren gave the home the much needed four points.
David Hussey, Luke Dalmau and Daniel Heijden were the stars for the Panthers in the 10.18 (78) to 11.8 (74) victory.
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
In the end, Drouin were outclassed by Bairnsdale by 87 points, but it showed some great signs in a competitive first half of football on Saturday, 23.17 (155) to 10.8 (68).
The Hawks kicked three of the first five goals in the opening term – two through Liam Anderson – and went into the quarter time break sitting just two points down.
The Redlegs began to kick into action, with Russell Cowan (five goals) and Simon Deery grabbing hold of the contest, but the Hawks defended grimly to only concede the six goals to two despite the home side owning the footy in their forward half.
But the floodgates opened predictably, with the more experienced unit slamming on 14 goals to five in the second half to gain a percentage boosting win.
Assistant coach and star player Eddie Morris was the best for the Hawks with three majors in a classy display.
Down at Western Park, Warragul could not replicate its impressive first quarter, going down by almost ten goals to Moe, 5.12 (42) to 15.10 (100).
The Gulls stayed in the contest with a three goal opening term that had them down by under a kick, but kicked just two more for the final three quarters, with the visitors – largely through the efforts of Ash Dugan (five goals) and Scott Van Dyk (four goals) – piling on 11 goals.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 3
The Doveton Eagles have continued their unbeaten start to life in Division 2 with a dominant win over Skye.
The Eagles jumped out a 36-point lead early, thanks to a seven goal to one first quarter. From there, Doveton continued to pile on the pain as Nick Battle (three goals), Michael Callinan (two goals) and Nick Beer took over the game.
The Eagles claimed the win, 20.11 (131) to 7.7 (49).
Keysborough dispatched Clayton with ease, claiming a big win, 20.11 (131) to 11.6 (72). Chris Bryan (six goals) and Matthew Carnelley (five goals) were dominant up forward, as Clayton were unable to find an answer for the dynamic duo.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 2
Endeavour Hills and Springvale Districts battled it out in a low-scoring affair. The Falcons, led by Ben Moriarty and Byron Hoe, were able to overcome a slow start to claim a 5.9 (39) to 5.2 (32) win. Springvale Districts’ Lachlan Morrey (three goals) tried his best to get his team over the line, but it wasn’t enough.Hampton Park claimed a comprehensive 13.14 (92) win over Ashwood 5.7 (37). Leading from start to finish, Nathan Carver (five goals), Michael Henry (three goals) and Mitchell Woolgar led the Redbacks home.
Hallam were no match for Heatherton in their clash. Heatherton dominated after quarter time, running out 15.18 (108) winners over Hallam 6.7 (43). Mitchell Lambert and Rory McIvor battled valiantly for the Hawks all day.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 3
Sandown were in trouble from the outset against Carrum Patterson Lakes.
Trailing 1.1 (7) to 6.3 (39) after one quarter, it only got worse from there for the Cobras. Carrum Patterson Lakes’ Brenton Rafferty had his kicking boots on as he booted home seven majors, to lead his team home 17.14 (116) to 9.5 (59).
Bradley Reiner (three goals) was best afield on a disappointing day for the Cobras.
Meanwhile, Lyndhurst won a tight battle against Frankston. After having the game in control for much of the day, the Lightning had to hold off a fast-finishing Dolphins side, eventually running out winners, 11.4 (70) to 9.7 (61).
Hamish Browning (three goals), Jarryd McGrath (two goals) and Jeremy Jakupi were pivotal in helping the Lighting claim the hard-fought win.
Lyndale were far too strong for Dandenong at Greaves Reserve, despite a slow start.
Dandenong jumped out of the blocks early, holding a 16-point lead at quarter time, but from there, it was all Lyndale.
A 10 goal to one second term saw the Pumas take control and they never looked back, claiming a 22.14 (146) to 10.4 (64) win.
Shane Thomas (seven goals) was brilliant for the Pumas, as were Jayden Denmead and Brenton Miles.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 3
Noble Park couldn’t find answer for Norwood’s Leigh Williams as he ran riot, finishing with a 10 goal haul. Whilst Williams’ performance was a great one, it was a total team effort that led to Norwood 22.15 (147) demolishing Noble Park 7.14 (56).
For Noble Park, on what was a dirty day, Luke Nelson (two goals) was the team’s best, whilst Jake Gains and Kyle Martin battled valiantly.
After a strong start to the game, Rowville were overrun by Blackburn at Seebeck Oval. Trailing by 11 points after the first quarter, the Panthers piled on six goals to one in a stunning second quarter turnaround to lead by 19 at the main break.
Patrick Contin and Ryan Bathie (three goals) were among Blackburn’s best in an impressive performance. Ziggie Alwan (three goals), Cristopher Clarke (three goals) and Jackson McDonald were Rowville’s best.
Blackburn 14.13 (97) claimed the win over Rowville 9.11 (65).
VAFA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 3
Despite a slow start, St Johns continued to fight it out with Bulleen Templestowe AFC and came away with two points in what was a thrilling draw.
Aaron Thornton and Ben Ayache (four goals and three respectively) almost did enough to get their team over the line, but St Johns had to settle for a draw, 14.9 (93) to Bulleen Templestowe 13.15 (93).
TAC CUP GIRLS – ROUND 6
The Dandenong Stingrays defence stood up all day against the Western Jets, propelling them to their maiden win in season 2018.
Brooke Vernon (one goal) and Tyanna Smith were dominant for the Rays as they took control of the match after quarter time to run away with the win, 9.14 (68) to 2.2 (14).
Despite a furious comeback attempt, Gippsland Power were unable to overcome the Northern Knights.
Having only kicked one goal in three quarters, the Power slammed on three quick goals early in the final quarter to give themselves a sniff, but it wasn’t to be as the Knights held on.
Gippsland’s Emily Haeusler and Tyla Hanks were at their best, despite the Knights claiming the win, 6.7 (43) to 4.4 (28).
