By Marc McGowan
THE Dandenong Demons confirmed their place in the top four with a fifth straight win – the latest a commanding 44-point victory over Mount Waverley in their Division Three Southern Football League (SFL) clash.
The game was effectively over by half-time, with the Demons kicking seven goals to Mount Waverley’s two to lead by 34 points in the wet conditions.
Dandenong playing coach Mick Hawken said on those sort of days it became a game of ‘who wanted it the most’.
“With the finals on-the-line, we realise we have to win every game. We’re pretty confident we’re playing finals now,” he said.
The Demons are now six points clear of Mount Waverley, in fourth position.
“To be six points clear of the next placed side is great,” Hawken said.
Robert Westin led the goalkicking for Dandenong, as usual, with three goals, while Chris Vella was also good for the Demons.
Dandenong will have to defeat top-placed Parkmore this weekend to complete a six-pack of wins.
“We’re pretty fired up for Parkmore this week,” Hawken said.
@BT Vox Pop News:Eagles soar again
THE Doveton Eagles have ended a six-game slide with victory over Cerberus in Division Three SFL play at the weekend.
The Eagles last win came in round six against Sandown, but this win was more noteworthy – coming against an opponent still in finals contention.
In an even first half, Doveton held sway by a goal, but the game took on a drastically different look after the long break, as the Eagles dominated their opposition.
They kicked four goals to Cerberus’ one in the third term, before another two goals to none in the final stanza to consolidate the win.
Playing coach Paul Davis said the conditions suited the Eagles better and they had stopped their opponent’s running game.
“After half-time we kept the forward line open – leaving Steve Tobin one-out,” he said.
“Steve’s made a big difference since coming back last week, giving us a target up forward. Earlier in the season we were forced to play guys out of position.”
Cobras edge closer
SANDOWN Cobras put in another brave performance, but went down again, this time to third-placed Black Rock by 12 points in Division Three SFL action at the weekend.
The Cobras looked in danger of another blow-out loss, after finding themselves 26 points in arrears at half-time, but they were a changed unit in the second half.
Sandown kicked three goals to two in the third term to cut the lead to 22 points at three-quarter-time, but their final quarter was even more impressive – booting two goals to none as the rain got heavier.
Cobras’ president Lew Short felt they were always within reach of victory.
“We were always in the game, but conceding four goals in the first quarter made it hard in these conditions,” he said.
“We probably thought we were a great chance at three-quarter-time. We had our chances, but couldn’t put them away. I think it was more of a team effort.”
Districts dump Kangaroos
SPRINGVALE Districts upset the second-placed Kangaroos by 33 points in their Division Two SFL match on the weekend.
The Districts led from the outset with a four-goal-to-one opening term, setting the tone for the match.
Springvale coach Stephen Hughes said they had kicked three goals in probably the first five or six minutes.
“It was pretty physical early and we more than matched them with aggression at the footy.”
Hughes slammed his side last week for a drop in intensity against ladder-leaders Tooronga-Malvern, but was pleased with their efforts this week.
“Apart from a brief period at the end of the second quarter, we were pretty hard at it all game,” he said.
The game was noteworthy for the 2006 debut of former Noble Park footballer Adam Quinn, who kicked four goals for Springvale.
“He was over at the World Cup and I talked him into playing for us. He only started training last Tuesday night, so we’re pretty happy with him,” Hughes said.
Pumas off target
LYNDALE Pumas fought out a gruelling draw with Hampton in their weekend Division Two SFL game.
The Pumas had their chances – particularly in the third term, but were forced to settle for a draw, despite having ten more scoring shots.
Lyndale managed to kick only one goal from 15 scoring shots in the premiership quarter, but their coach Danny Scott was circumspect about the match.
“It was definitely a wasted chance, but it was tough conditions. It was a fair-dinkum scrap, old-fashioned footy,” he said.
Hampton had the better of the first half and went into half-time with a deserved nine-point lead.
The Pumas lifted in the second half and should have come away with the victory.
Scott said with the amount of scoring shots, the Pumas probably should have won.
“Both teams went in hard for the ball, the tackling was hard and the pressure was high. It was a tense last four minutes as both teams looked for that final score to get the win.”
