By Hayley Wildes, Nick Creely and Russell Bennett
AROUND THE GROUNDS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
DIVISION TWO – ROUND 12
A Drew Petrie-inspired Pearcedale shook off their rivals Devon Meadows in a thriller on Saturday, 10.8 (68) to 9.6 (60).
Pearcedale held a narrow lead over the visitors for the majority of the day, and with the former AFL star making a cameo appearance at the club, the Panthers looked like they wouldn’t be trouble.
But despite Petrie kicking a goal and giving the defenders some headaches, a five-goal haul to Michael Theodoridis almost saw the visitors claw their way back from a 17-point three quarter time deficit, kicking three goals to one in the final quarter.
The former North Melbourne and West Coast star was pivotal – particularly late in the game – in a mix of both ruck and forward duties.
Former Dandenong Stingray captain Luke Dalmau was superb, kicking three goals and dominating the midfield for the winners, while Theodoridis and Liam Drew were the best for the visitors.
Prior to the game on Saturday, Petrie was the guest speaker at a luncheon and helped the under 19’s warm up for their clash.
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 10
Healesville booted six straight first-quarter goals against Emerald at Chandler Reserve on Saturday, but far from going back into their shells the Bombers rallied to ultimately go down by just 17 points, 11.16 (82) to 15.9 (99).
The Bloods took a 15-point lead into quarter time and stretched that out to 25 at the half. But the Bombers steadied, refusing to be walked all over by the visitors – who hold a share of the ladder lead with Olinda Ferny Creek, Upwey Tecoma, Woori Yallock, and Wandin after the weekend’s results.
Jake Pedder booted five majors for the Bombers in a starring role on Saturday, while Sean Kelleher and Shaun Semmens were also particularly influential.
Meanwhile, in Division 2, a Josh Fraser-inspired Seville claimed a 64-point home win over the Brookers, 15.15 (105) to 6.5 (41).
The former first overall AFL draft pick and Collingwood 200-gamer booted six majors for his side, who converted an eight-point half-time lead into 50 by three-quarter time.
For the Brookers, Lochlan Taylor was a clear standout as were Phil Backman and Luke Failla (three goals).
GIPPSLAND LEAGUE
ROUND 12
The points couldn’t be split down at Drouin, with the Hawks and Bairnsdale fighting out a thrilling draw, 6.9 (45) to 6.9 (45).
While they had more scoring shots in the opening quarter, inaccuracy meant the Hawks couldn’t grab an early lead, but wrestled the lead back at half time after booting 3.2 to 1.3.
In a see-sawing second half, the home side couldn’t find the run in the final quarter after being down by eight-points, fighting out the draw to share the points.
Warragul, meanwhile, fought out a 12-point win over Moe to draw within reach of the top-five, 10.12 (72) to 9.6 (60).
The Gulls were down by four points at three quarter time, but rallied hard to kick five goals to three in the final quarter.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 11
Noble Park claimed a hard-fought win over North Ringwood at Pat Wright Senior Oval.
With the game in the balance, the Bulls made the most of their opportunities in the fourth quarter to run out 12.12 (84) to 8.12 (60) winners.
Jake Gains and the ever-consistent Kyle Martin were best for the Bulls, while Hudson Thomas kicked three crucial goals.
Rowville staved off Doncaster at Seebeck Oval. Trailing by six points at half-time, the Hawks turned the tables on the Sharks in the third term and never looked back, winning 15.11 (101) to 11.13 (79).
Riley D’Arcy (four goals) and Mitchell Garner were sublime for Rowville.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 11
Keysborough couldn’t match it with Murrumbeena for four quarters, falling 14.9 (93) to 16.9 (105).
Chris Bryan (three goals) was again brilliant for the Burras, while James Anwyl battled valiantly.
The Doveton Eagles remain on top of the ladder after disposing of East Brighton, 11.8 (74) to 17.11 (113).
With scores level at half-time, the Eagles took control of the game in the second half as the ruthless forward line duo of Russell Robertson (six goals) and Darren Sheen (four goals) combined for 10 majors.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 10
Endeavour Hills comprehensively defeated Black Rock, 15.7 (97) to 6.5 (41). The Falcons held their opposition scoreless in the opening quarter and continued their dominance throughout the game.
Nathan Strom (four goals) and Daniel Batson were instrumental for Endeavour Hills.
Hampton Park took care of business against South Yarra, 5.3 (33) to 15.17 (107). Shannon Henwood and Travis Davis had plenty of the ball for the Redbacks.
Hallam’s horror season continued; obliterated by Ashwood, 2.3 (15) to 19.8 (122). Dale Carroll booted eight majors for Ashwood, while Jonathan Daly and Dean Webb battled hard for the Hawks.
Springvale Districts had 14 individual goal-kickers as it tore Heatherton’s defence to shreds on their way to claiming a 6.4 (40) to 22.13 (145) win.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 11
The Redlegs claimed their second win of the season and in doing so, lifted themselves off the bottom of the ladder. Dandenong defeated Sandown 15.10 (100) to 11.7 (73). Jayke Hopkins (four goals) was superb for Dandenong.
Lyndale fell to Cerberus 7.11 (53) to 4.3 (27). Trailing all day, the Pumas struggled offensively, but Jayden MacDonald can hold his head high after a robust performance.
Carrum Patterson Lakes was too strong for the Frankston Dolphins, 12.8 (80) to 7.6 (48). Aaron Guy and Douglas Watterson starred in the win.
Lyndhurst remains on top of the ladder after dominating Moorabbin at home, 12.1 (73) to 2.5 (17). Hamish Browning claimed an impressive five-goal haul, while Ben Hiam was superb.
VAFA
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 12
St John’s battled valiantly against the Melbourne High School Old Boys, but were overrun in the final quarter, falling 17.13 (115) to 13.7 (85). Josh Mourant (six goals) was dynamic up forward for St John’s.
