By Nick Creely
JOURNAL FOOTBALL REVIEW
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ROUND 16
With virtually everything on the line, an inspired Noble Park surged back inside the top four with a brilliant 37-point win over Balwyn away from home, 13.13(91) to 20.8(128).
After a worrying trend of form over the last month, the Bulls found their mojo in the first quarter to hold a narrow six-point quarter time margin.
Balwyn then wrestled back the momentum – albeit briefly – through the second quarter before the Bulls got their running game up and going.
Off the back of star midfielder Kyle Martin and skipper Sam Monaghan, the Bulls were strong at the coal-face, providing James Gwilt (four goals) and Jordan Marson (four goals) with plenty of opportunities up forward.
And Gwilt provided one of the highlights of the season for the Bulls, taking a monster mark in the first term and kicking a goal, as he continues to find some form on the eve of finals.
Jackson Sketcher, Luke Nelson and the reliable Ryan Morrison were also strong contributors for the Bulls.
With the Bulls maintaining its edge over the second and third quarters, a simply stellar eight goal last term blew away the hosts and brought Noble back to life.
The Bulls also continued their excellent form at Balwyn, and managed to claim the four points that could decide whether they feature in the 2017 finals series.
Two rounds remain and the Bulls sit in fourth spot ahead of a yet another massive clash with North Ringwood on Saturday.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 18
Keysborough remain well and truly in the hunt for a top two spot after a comfortable and impressive 18-point victory over Hampton on Saturday, 13.13(91) to 16.13(109).
Off the back of star big man Chris Bryan (seven goals), who completely dominated proceedings, the Burra kicked 10 goals in the second quarter to set up the win before slowing down in the final quarter, although they already sealed up the four points by half time.
There were others who also played strong games for the Burras, with Jay Pitto impressive and Bryce Sutton continuing his consistent season.
But it was truly the Bryan show, with the 199cm ruck/forward continuing his truly unbelievable season of 48 goals and at least six best-on-ground displays.
Meanwhile, Springvale Districts fell agonisingly short of a stunning upset over Caulfield, 10.16(76) to 11.9(75).
After leading all afternoon, and even by as much as 29-points at half time, the Bears sprung to life in the last quarter, kicking four goals to three to just find the four points.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 17
Hallam celebrated its 50-year anniversary in grand style, knocking off fellow premiership aspirant Doveton Eagles by nine-points, 16.7(103) to 15.4(94).
In a high quality contest – and potential grand final preview – it didn’t all go to plan for the Hawks, with the Eagles surging out to a 25-point quarter time lead.
With former AFL-forward Russell Robertson (eight goals) in fine form, the Eagles then led narrowly at both half and three quarter times as they looked to spoil the Hawks’ party.
But the top-of-the-ladder Hawks rose like quality sides do, booting 4.5 to 2.1 in the last to steal the four points and further cement their standing as the premiership favorites.
Manny Peresso was stellar in a stirring victory for the Hawks and Phil Ward (three goals) lifted late, while Todd Byers and Robertson both played huge roles for the Eagles.
In other matches, Lyndale 3.10(28) had no answers against Black Rock 16.13(109), Endeavour Hills 30.12(192) obliterated Moorabbin 3.7(25), South Yarra 37.31(253) cruised to a huge win over Sandown 5.3(33), Lyndhurst 5.11(41) battled hard against Ashwood 10.10(70) and Dandenong 8.7(55) fell to Carrum Patterson Lakes 28.12(180).
With just one round left to play, Hallam, Ashwood, Endeavour Hills, Doveton Eagles and Black Rock sit inside the top five.
