By Nick Creely
JOURNAL FOOTBALL REVIEW
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 13
It’s quite possible that Saturday saw witness to the likely 2017 grand final, with Keysborough and Chelsea Heights doing battle in an absorbing contest at Beazley Reserve.
With everything on the line, the sides couldn’t be split at quarter time with both sides locked on 2.2(14).
But the Demons got the break in the second quarter, kicking five goals to three to take an eight-point half time advantage.
With dominant Demons’ forward Phil Smith (six goals) running amok in the third, the Burras suddenly found themselves staring down the barrel of a tough defeat, and needing four unanswered goals in the last to win the match.
And despite strong efforts from Burras star Chris Bryan (three goals), Geoff Humphreys (two
goals) and Ryan Goodes, couldn’t quite get there, falling by 13-points.
The final scoreline read 14.8(92) to 11.13(79) in what was one of the season’s most anticipated matches.
Springvale Districts 11.9(75), meanwhile, kept its winning run alive, defeating Highett 11.7(72) narrowly.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 12
The Doveton Eagles’ 16.13(109) stirring climb up the ladder continued when they disposed of South Yarra 7.8(50) with ease on Saturday.
After a fairly even first term, the Eagles clicked into gear, piling on five unanswered second quarter goals to stride out to a 35-point half time lead.
An improve third quarter from the Lions didn’t mean a great deal, with the Eagles clinical in the last to bank another percentage boosting victory.
Corrie Wilson’s (four goals) super season continued with another best afield performance, while David Lever was equally impressive, snagging two goals.
Hallam’s 26.13(169) extraordinary season continued in Saturday evening’s clash with Lyndhurst 4.6(30), with the Hawks sitting atop with an astonishing percentage of 309.74.
In a fairly tame opening term, the Hawks kicked just 2.4 to open up a nine-point quarter time buffer, before slamming on 10.2 in the second to climb out to an ominous 64-point half time advantage.
The Hawks then played scary football – befitting of premiership favorites – to blow the Lightning away in a 14 goal last half.
There were 11 different goal scores for the Hawks, with Matt Neve, Justin Marriott, Andrew Daly and Brandon Nolan all snagging four goals apiece.
In other matches across the round, Dandenong 4.2(26) stood no chance against Ashwood 14.19(103), Sandown 8.5(53) were highly competitive against Lyndale 15.14(104), Endeavour Hills 25.17(167) walloped Carrum Patterson Lakes 9.4(58) and Black Rock 14.13(97) defeated Moorabbin 10.4(64).
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 1 – ROUND 12
In one of the toughest away trips in the EFL, Noble Park 10.16(76) fell just short of Blackburn 13.15(93) in a ripping contest at Morton Park.
Two top-four contenders did battle and, in an intense opening quarter, the Cougars narrowly held a two-point lead after an inaccurate 1.5 opening term.
With star player Kyle Martin in vintage form in game 100 through the midfield, the Bulls kept in touch only through the Cougars’ wayward goal kicking.
An excellent four goal third quarter saw the Cougars blow out to a 24-point three quarter time lead, a vital margin that couldn’t be headed despite the desperate fight of the Bulls.
James Gwilt (three goals) was one of the best for the Bulls, Sam Monaghan was excellent in game 150 and Tim Kelly was a solid contributor.
The Bulls have the chance to respond when they face Rowville on Saturday at Seebeck Oval.
Rowville 8.4(52) were smashed by Vermont 17.16(118), with the Hawks’ tough season continuing.
After leading at quarter time by five-points, the Hawks were smashed from pillar to post, kicking just four goals after quarter time and the Eagles piling on 14 themselves.
