By Hayley Wildes, Nick Creely and Russell Bennett
AROUND THE GROUNDS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
DIVISION TWO – ROUND 13
Karingal inflicted Pearcedale with a 19-point loss at Ballam Park Reserve on Saturday, 8.12 (60) to 6.5 (41).
The Bulls led at every change and got the game winning break in the second term, booting four goals to two to be up 29 at half time.
The Panthers fought hard to win the second half, booting three goals to one to put some respectability back on the scoreboard.
Down at Dromana, Devon Meadows couldn’t overcome the home side to lose comfortably, 8.15 (63) to 5.8 (38).
The Panthers still had a fighting chance when they were down by 16-points at three quarter time, but the home side kicked the only goal of the final quarter, with Rikki Johnston (four goals) in particular on fire in a low scoring affair.
For the visitors, Mat Fletcher continued his superb year with another strong display, while Michael Theodoridis slotted two.
AFL YARRA RANGES
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 11
Emerald was playing catch-up all day in Division 1 of the AFL Yarra Ranges competition on Saturday after Mount Evelyn opened up a 20-point quarter-time lead.
Playing at home, the Rovers had 10 first-quarter scoring shots to just five from the visitors and they capitalised on that momentum throughout the remainder of the contest to ultimately come away with a 54-point victory, 15.13 (103) to 6.13 (49).
Michael Condello booted four for Mount Evelyn while the likes of Michael Dompietro and Wyatt Hansen stood strong for the Bombers.
In Division 2, Yarra Junction prevailed in a spirited clash with Gembrook Cockatoo, winning by 35 points – 15.6 (96) to 9.7 (61). Andrew Shipp was one of the standouts for the Brookers with three majors. They currently sit fifth on the Division 2 ladder with a 5-5 record, while the Bombers are eighth in Division 1 on 3-8.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 12
Rowville claimed a comprehensive win over North Ringwood at Quambee Reserve on Saturday.
The Hawks were in control after half-time, running out 13.16 (94) to 8.6 (54) winners. Ziggie Alwan (four goals) was dominant up forward, while Alex Frawley was superb.
Noble Park put together a strong first half, but was unable to stay with Norwood as the game progressed at Mullum Reserve, falling 14.14 (96) to 9.14 (68).
Kyle Martin (three goals) and Will Collis battled hard for the Bulls.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 12
The Doveton Eagles’ magical season continued with an obliteration of Skye at Power Reserve.
After an even first quarter, the Eagles outscored their opponents 9.1 (55) to 0.3 (3) in a whirlwind second term.
Darren Sheen (eight goals), Peter Dye and Khaled Kandakji (four goals each) were electric up forward as Doveton claimed a massive 27.12 (174) to 5.9 (39) win.
Keysborough dominated Clayton at home on Sunday, with the Burras running out 9.12 (66) to 3.11 (29) winners.
Ryan Goodes and Joseph Bekierz were sublime as the Burras claimed their seventh win of the season to remain fourth on the ladder.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 11
Springvale Districts inflicted another big loss on Hallam. The Hawks were outgunned from the outset, with the Demons scoring 8.7 (55) to 0.0 (0) in a brutal opening term. Springvale Districts ran out 18.20 (128) to 3.2 (20) winners.
Sam Raru (five goals) was busy up forward and David Monaghan feasted around the ball for Springvale Districts. The Hawks were led by Mitch Lambert and Dion Cavallo.
Heatherton, despite inaccuracy, claimed a hard-fought win over Black Rock at McDonald Reserve.
After falling behind early, Heatherton dug deep and a four-goal to zero final term saw the side record a 9.15 (69) to 8.8 (56) win.
Benjamin Clark-Henry and Reagan Maddaford were sublime in the win for Heatherton.
Hampton Park and Endeavour Hills played out a classic in tough conditions at Robert Booth Reserve.
In a see-sawing battle, the Falcons were ahead when it mattered most, claiming a 6.10 (46) to 6.8 (44) win.
Nathan Strom and Daniel Soar were involved in everything for Endeavour Hills, while Reece Smart was industrious for the Redbacks.
DIVISION 4 – ROUND 12
Lyndhurst was too strong for Lyndale on the road, claiming a ruthless 9.20 (64) to 2.6 (18) win. Trent Isbister battled hard for the Pumas, while Jesse Walia and Zach Woolcock were impressive for the Lightning.
Sandown was overpowered by the Frankston Dolphins at home. The Dolphins led at every change to run away massive winners, 26.28 (184) to 6.3 (39). Scott Jackman was impressive for the Cobras.
Dandenong was no match for Cerberus. Cerberus dominated in the final term to claim a 13.13 (91) to 7.7 (49) win. Michael Scott, who has been terrific all season, was again best for the Redlegs.
Moorabbin found it tough going against Carrum Patterson Lakes. Alex Wilson and Brenton Rafferty (five goals each) ran riot, helping their team to a 24.14 (158) to 16.5 (101) win.
ELLINBANK & DISTRICT
ROUND 12
The reigning premiers headed to Nyora to take on the undefeated Saints on Saturday and proved it’s far too early to count out the Blues in season 2018.
In the heavyweight battle, just one-point separated the teams at quarter time, before scores were tied at both half time and three quarter time.
Nyora was valiant as they looked to keep their unbeaten season alive, but it was Catani who made the most of their opportunities in the final term, claiming an impressive 10.4 (64) to 9.6 (60) win in wintery conditions.
Catani proved itself as still being one of the premier sides in the competition and with Owen Fitzpatrick (four goals) and Paul Pattison dominating, the Blues’ star power is undeniable.
Shaun Beecroft and Ryan Spooner were outstanding for the Saints.
Meanwhile, Lang Lang came agonizingly close to securing their second win of the season, but had to settle for a draw against Nilma Darnum.
It was a low-scoring slog in the Nilma Darnum mud and the Tigers could only muster one-point in the second half to see scores tied at the final siren, 2.4 (16) to 2.4 (16). Sam Kendall and Tim Bramall thrived in the tough conditions for Lang Lang.
Poowong came to play against Longwarry at home, but they were simply outplayed after quarter time. The Pies led 3.5 (23) to 0.0 (0) at quarter time, but scored just one-point in the final three quarters to be overrun by the Crows.
Longwarry flicked the switch after quarter time to pull off a 6.3 (39) to 3.6 (24) win. The Crows were led by Nick Redley and Russ Lehman – both of whom are putting together outstanding seasons.
Warragul Industrials held on despite a comeback attempt from Ellinbank at Western Park. The Dusties led all game and eventually claimed a hard-fought 4.9 (33) to 4.1 (25) win. Tye Holland and Tyson Bale were enormous for Warragul, while Shane Brewster kicked two important goals.
Buln Buln held Neerim Neerim South to just one-point in the second half of their match-up to claim a 3.10 (28) to 1.5 (11) win on the road. Bryce Monahan and Adam Rakip (two goals) were superb for the Lyrebirds.
