By Nick Creely
JOURNAL FOOTBALL REVIEW
Southern Football League DIV 2
ROUND 10
Belief continues to remain the ingredient so precious to Keysborough 19.12(126) and in Saturday’s heart stopping victory over Mount Waverley 19.11(125) the Boroughs came from the clouds in stunning fashion.
Down by five goals with five minutes remaining, the Boroughs refused to give in, and somehow found a way to win the game with just 15 seconds left on the lock.
Now second on the Division 2 table, the Boroughs are breathing down the neck of Chelsea Heights, who remain undefeated.
Former AFL forward Chris Bryan snagged 10 goals in a brilliant display, while the likes of Ryan Goodes, Tom Anderton and the superstar Tim Werner all contributed strongly in a win for the ages.
Springvale Districts 11.7(73), meanwhile, fell 15-points short in their clash with East Brighton 13.10(88).
After a strong opening term, the Dees were overrun after quarter time.
DIV 3– ROUND 9
Sandown 6.10(46) has had little to smile about in 2017, but a six-point win over Dandenong 5.10(40) on Saturday is sure to lift the spirits of the embattled club.
A horror fortnight for the two bottom sides meant it was anyone’s game down at Edinburgh Reserve, but after a strong opening term by the Redlegs the Cobras wrestled back control and held firm in a tense last quarter.
It is great reward for a club that has been through so much but stayed true to themselves throughout a truly tough season.
Cobras’ trio Lucas Ligt, Matt Bennie and Matt Dickson were all outstanding for the hosts, while Jayke Hopkins battled hard for the Redlegs.
The story was a little different for the Doveton Eagles 9.13(67), who fell in disappointing fashion to Black Rock 13.6(84).
As a top four contender, it was a game that the Eagles simply should have won, and like a few times already in this crazy season, they were unable to step up when it counted.
Russell Robertson snagged three for the Eagles, while reliable performer Corrie Wilson racked up the footy and kicked a couple of majors, but there will little help in a disappointing result.
In other matches across the round, Lyndale 6.10(46) fell just short against South Yarra 7.7(49), Endeavour Hills 13.14(92) enhanced its top four credentials with a brilliant win over Lyndhurst 12.4(76), Hallam 14.23(107) spanked Moorabbin 3.2(20) and Ashwood 18.15(123) were a step above Carrum Patterson Lakes 8.4(52) to keep its undefeated season alive.
Eastern Football League – DIV 1
ROUND 9
Up by 44-points at three quarter time, it looked like it job well done for the at times inconsistent Noble Park 18.8(116).
But what eventuated was a stressful, tense and spectacular last 30 minutes of football, as Montrose 17.9(111) rose to life in a whirlwind eight goal to two last term to fall agonizingly short by five-points.
Almost unfathomable at times, the Demons could not be stopped, with only the final siren preventing them from causing the boilover of the season.
In a game where the Bulls dominated for three quarters, particularly the brilliant Ziggie Alwan (seven goals), who is in the midst of a terrific individual season, all it took was a spark from the Demons to ignite the flame in a matter of minutes.
But the Bulls held on for the points and their hold on a top four position, and face a big clash with South Croydon next round.
Rowville 8.6(54), meanwhile, fell 25-points short to East Ringwood 11.13(79), with the Hawks’ tough season continuing.
The match at Seebeck Oval was in the balance at half time, but a powerful six-goal third term to the ‘Roos got them out to the match breaking lead.
Daniel Zajac was the best performer for the Hawks, while Jake Dermott’s strong season continued with another classy display.
The Hawks hover in 11th position with a 2-7 record, and face Norwood at Mullum Reserve in Round 10.