By Nick Creely
JOURNAL FOOTBALL REVIEW
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIV 2 – ROUND 7
Keysborough’s 13.15(93) premiership credentials continue to rise after a clinical 40-point home victory over Hampton 7.11(53) on Saturday.
Sitting in second position and in supreme form, the Borough’s looked the better team right from the outset, and despite some wayward kicking in front of goal in the first term, took a lead and were never headed.
A dominant 3.6 to 0.1 second term took the game away from the Hammers, who then competed hard in the second half but were never really in the game.
Former AFL forward Chris Bryan (four goals) was outstanding as he continues to build on his season, while Karl Schoenmaekers, Tim Werner and champ Geoff Humphreys ran rampant and were all class.
Meanwhile, Springvale Districts 9.8(62) have lost yet another tight game – this time against Caulfield 10.9(69) and are now just percentage off the bottom.
Despite having a percentage of 80.20, the Demons once again struggled despite fighting hard.
The Demons led at half time by six points before being overrun by the Bears in a seven goal to five last half.
DIV 3 – ROUND 6
A dominant Hallam 16.13(109) just keeps on banking the points, defeating a disappointing Doveton Eagles 4.6(30) by 79-points.
In the clash at Power Reserve, the Hawks jumped out to a 26-point quarter time lead as the Eagles struggled to control their ball winners from running them ragged around the ground.
This lead quickly ballooned out to 45 at half time, as the Hawks toyed with the Eagles, who actually came into the round inside the top four.
Another top-quality game to Phillip Ward saw the Hawks run out the winners, with in-form forward Matt Neve banking another three majors.
Sandown 2.6(18) were no match for South Yarra 29.18(192), as the Cobras’ woes continue.
After competing hard in the first term to be in arrears by 15-points, the Lions blew them away, kicking 26 goals in three quarters.
In other matches, Dandenong’s 6.7(43) positive fortnight of competiveness continued, falling to Carrum Patterson Lakes 13.11(89) in an encouraging display.
The undefeated Ashwood 12.10(82) continued its unbeaten season with a gritty win over Lyndhurst 9.7(61) – The Lightning lead for the majority of the contest and at every change before the Pies found a way to win in the last quarter.
Black Rock 14.11(95) held sway in a ripping clash with Lyndale 9.11(65), with the game closer than the scoreline suggested.
And finally, Endeavour Hills 17.26(128) obliterated Moorabbin 7.6(48) by 80-points, but should have perhaps won by a lot more, having 43 scoring shots to 13. The Eagles are now third on the ladder after Doveton’s heavy loss.
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIV 1
Being 26-points down at three quarter time against the premiership favourite in their own backyard that usually spells trouble.
But Noble Park 14.10(94) almost did the unthinkable in an extraordinary last quarter against the high quality Vermont 14.15(99).
The Eagles dominated the first quarter, kicking 1.8 to 0.2, as the Bulls couldn’t slow them down and stop them peppering the goals -but luckily for them – woeful kicking kept them right in the hunt.
A more switched on Bulls’ midfield started to get on top in the second as scoring started to ramp up, but the Eagles held sway to take a narrow twopoint lead at half time.
The Eagles flexed its muscles after the long break, climbing out to a five-goal lead with a quarter to play, and despite the efforts of the Bulls, the overawing power of the competition heavyweight started to take its toll.
But the Bulls refused to give in, barnstorming home as star players Ziggie Alwan, Jackson Sketcher and James Gwilt stamped their influence.
However, they fell just short and paid for their slow start.
Meanwhile, Rowville 14.8(92) finally got some reward for effort, holding off Bayswater 12.10(82). A brilliant individual performance by Damian Garner (four goals) ensured the Hawks could bank a second victory for 2017
