JOURNAL FOOTBALL REVIEW
By Nick Creely
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIV 2 – ROUND 4
Keysborough 13.8 (86) has ground out a gritty 21-point victory over Murrumbeena 9.10 (64) in front of a healthy home crowd.
It required another strong last-quarter effort for the Borough to lift their record to 2-1, after looking shot midway through the third-term.
In what was an even and tough contest throughout the game, Murrumbeena got the break in the third quarter to take a three-goal lead, before the Borough’s, inspired by star player Riet Pal, and debutant Bryce Dexter, wrestled back the momentum and stormed home in a four goal to nil last-term.
“We had seven changes from last game – Riet Pal was simply amazing and tore the game to shreds,” Boroughs coach Matt Ferguson said.
“Our backs were really, really strong all day – we had a lot of guys stand up that usually aren’t among our best players too. We got three-goals down in the third-quarter and then to fight back is a good sign.
We’re running out games really well and coming home strong – it’s a real positive for our club.”
Springvale Districts had the bye over the weekend.
The Boroughs take on Caufield next week at home, in a game where they will look to break inside the top-four.
DIV 3 – ROUND 3
The competiveness of the competition needs to come into question after yet another round of thrashings.
Only one game was under 50-points in what is becoming a worrying trend.
Sandown Cobras 5.2 (31) have once again been annihilated, this time at the hands of Carrum Patterson Lakes 21.15 (141), who were simply too slick, skillful and strong for the opposition.
The Cobras were competitive early, snagging a first-term goal and keeping the visitors to just 3.3, but from there they were blown away by Jarrod Kennedy, who kicked an impressive six-goal-haul.
Lyndhurst 19.14 (128) did what they needed to do against Dandenong 3.7(25), who took until the third-quarter to register a major.
The Redlegs, who are seriously struggling to remain competitive, must find a way to stay in the contest for longer.
A terrific six-goals to former Melbourne star Russell Robertson has lifted Doveton Eagles 17.13 (115) to a resounding win over Endeavour Hills 8.4 (52).
The game was still up for grabs at three-quarter-time, before the Eagles pulled away with a six-goal last-quarter.
Hallam 15.9 (99) has officially announced itself as the team to beat, powering past a competitive Lyndale 5.8 (38).
Hawks’ forward Shane Thomas snagged five goals to take his overall season tally to 10.
In other games, Ashwood 20.13 (133) thrashed Moorabbin 6.13 (49) and South Yarra 10.13 (73) overcame a fierce challenge from Black Rock 9.8 (62).
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIV 1 – ROUND 3
Noble Park 12.15 (87) has moved to 3-0 and looking primed in 2017, after an untroubled 28-point win over East Ringwood 9.5 (59).
The Bulls, off the back of impressive performances by Brett Dore, Kyle Martin, Tim Kelly and Cosi Anagnostou rode off a challenge in the second-quarter to pull away in a six-goal to four last-half.
Tim Harper (three goals) was once again impressive in attack and continues to thrive, while James Gwilt was steady down back.
Meanwhile, Rowville 12.6 (78) held off Montrose 10.11 (71) in an early season classic, with the Hawks just pipping the plucky visitors at Seebeck Oval.
Tough, fierce and skillful football treated the crowd down at Rowville, with both sides giving everything to get the four-points.
There was plenty to like for the Hawks, notably Alex Frawley, who was stellar around the ground in a best-afield performance, while Lachlan McDonald (three goals) continued his form and Steven Georgious showed his immense class.
Noble Park host Blackburn at home next Saturday, while Rowville will travel to Vermont in what is set to be a highly-anticipated clash.
