By Tyler Lewis
AROUND THE GROUNDS
MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 18
In fascinating scenes, the match between Karingal and Pearcedale was abandoned due to a sinkhole emerging in the middle of the ground at Ballam Park on Saturday.
The sides shared the points but, with Crib Point upsetting Tyabb, the Dales will finish the year on the bottom of the ladder.
Devon Meadows finished its season in style, beating the finals-bound Chelsea 10.13 (74) to 8.17 (65).
The Gulls got off to a flyer with a handy three-goal buffer at the first break, but the Panthers clawed back into the contest and ran away courtesy of a five-goal to two third term.
Stuart Cunningham was the best for the Panthers while Shaun Foster was the best for the Gulls.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 17
Keysborough shook off a wasteful start against Caulfield to run away with a 10.11 (71) to 5.13 (43) victory.
Chris Bryan brought up his season half-century with his two majors on the weekend, while Anthony Brannan was named best afield. Stuart Paterson was a standout for Caulfield.
The finals begin a week early for the Gulls this week when they take on Springvale Districts, which sits on top of the ladder.
The Doveton Eagles cruised to victory after a blistering opening half against Heatherton, winning 10.13 (73) to 2.5 (17).
Nick Battle was the best for the Eagles with four majors while Adam Read also added three.
Chris Tosin stood strong for Heatherton, which now faces relegation at season’s end if it can’t beat East Brighton in the final round.
For the Eagles, they are expected to make the finals after they take on Skye in Round 18.
DIVISION 3
ROUND 17
The ladder-leading Hampton Park continued its winning ways against Endeavour Hills on the weekend in its 9.9 (63) to 5.3 (33) triumph.
The Redbacks did as they have all year when they jumped the Hills early and coasted home from then.
Shaun Walsh was the best for Hampton Park while Nathan Reid was among the standouts for Endeavour Hills.
Endeavour Hills has the opportunity to move into second position when it takes on Clayton this weekend in the final round.
The Hills have a mammoth percentage and if they win they will equal Clayton on wins and surpass them on percentage to steal second place.
The Redbacks will play Black Rock, who they are expected to beat comfortably. Hampton Park forward Peter Dye (62 season goals) practically has his name etched on the league’s goal kicking award already, leading the next best Jarrod Marolla (50) by 12 majors.
DIVISION 4
ROUND 17
Hallam relished in the opportunity to gain a percentage boost against Dandenong, winning 15.16 (106) to 2.3 (15).
The Hawks went goalless in the opening term but flicked the switch in the second and the last to run away big winners.
A brilliant 7.5 to nil final term boosted the victory for the Hawks. Rory McIvor was best afield with his three majors.
Hallam now holds a two-point ladder advantage over Moorabbin, due to the Kangaroos’ draw against the Dolphins. It will come down to the Round 18 clash against second placed South Yarra if the Hawks are to sneak into fourth.
Lyndhurst inflicted some more pain on Lyndale when it won 13.10 (88) to 0.2 (2) on Saturday.
The Lightning is a formidable side this season and made the most of its opportunities in front of goal early to put away any doubt of taking the four points.
Hamish Browning continued his form in front of goal, booting four for Lyndhurst, while Jayden Denmead was named the best afield for Lyndale in his side’s disappointing display.
The Lightning, which sits on top of the ladder, will get a taste of finals early when it takes on third-placed Frankston Dolphins on the weekend.
Lyndale, meanwhile, has the chance to snare its second victory when it takes on Dandenong, which also has just the one win so far.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
PREMIER – ROUND 16
Montrose stuck with Rowville for the best part of a half before the Hawks flexed their muscles in the second half to take away a 14.7 (91) to 8.9 (57) win.
A seven-goal to one premiership term set up the win for the Hawks, who had nine individual goal scorers.
Ziggie Alwan was the best for the Hawks with his three majors.
Rowville will take on Noble Park in the next round of the season.
Noble Park suffered its 10th loss of the season when it went down to an inaccurate Blackburn, 9.17 (71) to 6.6 (42).
Nathan Oakes was best afield for the Bulls again while Jake Hammond booted five for the Panthers.
GIPPSLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ROUND 16
Drouin braved the cold to knock off Morwell 3.8 (26) to 2.3 (15).
Todd Beck was a real shining light for Drouin, while Nathan Noblett was the only goal-scorer for Morwell.
Warragul held off the fast-finishing Traralgon to record one of its season-best victories, 5.7 (37) to 4.5 (29).
Kim Drew was again among the best for the Gulls while Jackson Hall was the best for the Maroons.
VFLW
Casey fell short of another victory when it lost to Hawthorn, 2.7 (25) to 3.4 (22).
Sarah Lampard brought her own Sherrin for the Demons, collecting 28 disposals while Amana McDonnough was instrumental with 13 tackles for the day.
Casey will face the Northern Territory Thunder next week in its final match of the year.
