JOURNAL FOOTBALL REVIEW
EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
ROUND 17
Everything must now go Noble Park’s way if they are to be playing finals in 2017.
After another disappointing 24-point loss on Saturday to North Ringwood, 15.9(99) to 11.9(75), the Bulls now remain in sixth spot, one game behind with just a single round to go.
It’s a difficult equation, but not an impossible one for Mick Fogarty’s men.
The Saints led from start to finish at Quagmbee Reserve agains the Bulls, leading by five-points at quarter time, 12 at half time, 18 at three quarter time before running out strongly in the last.
It continues a wayward second half of the season for the Bulls.
Since Round 10, Noble has gone 3-4 and have struggled to play two quality games in a row.
Skipper Sam Monaghan (two goals) did all he could to drag his side over the line but had few other teammates comply, with Kyle Martin and Brett Dore others to have their moments and James Gwilt was lively up forward with limited supply.
The Bulls face the minor premiers Vermont in the final round at home, and must win if they are any chance to sneak into the five and earn a finals berth.
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
DIVISION 2 – ROUND 19
Keysborough appear in the box seat for a toptwo finish despite only playing one quarter of football on Saturday against Skye.
The match at Keysborough Reserve was called off in the first quarter with the Burras four-goals ahead, with a Skye footballer badly breaking his leg, and both clubs agreed to call the game off immediately.
Despite this, the Burras seem destined for a high-placing, with Caulfield losing by 36-points to Highett on Saturday and relieving any subsequent pressure.
With one round left to play, the Burras just need to defeat East Brighton (seventh) to solidify their spot as they eye off a premiership.
Springvale Districts, meanwhile, lost narrowly to Hampton by nine-points, 8.8(56) to 9.11(65), as the Dees continue its season of agonisingly close losses.
DIVISION 3 – ROUND 18
Endeavour Hills warmed up for next week’s finals with a top quality 16-point win away from home against second placed and qualifying final opponent Ashwood on Saturday afternoon, 8.9(57) to 11.7(73).
The top four sides battled it out in a final round blockbuster as they tinkered and found touch before launching their premiership assaults in the last month of the season.
The visitors had all the running in the first quarter with seven scoring shots to just one, opening up a 16-point quarter time lead. Ashwood then stormed back into the contest to take a 10-point lead into the wind at half time, with Frank Martinicchio (two goals) threatening to tear the game apart.
But the Eagles gritted out a tough third quarter to regain the lead, before holding firm defensively in an intense final term to take the four points.
Dandenong, meanwhile, ended their season with a tough and challenging afternoon, going down to minor premiers Hallam by 132-points, 0.1(1) to 19.19(133).
The Hawks barely got out of second gear in the thrashing and will now enjoy the week’s rest courtesy of their stunning 17-1 season.
It was a similar result for the Doveton Eagles, who ended Sandown’s 2017 campaign with a 206-point win, 2.5(17) to 33.25(233).
The Cobras were held goalless in the first half with the Eagles slamming on 18, before the home side managed to at-least kick two second-half goals and hold the opposition to 15.
In other results over the weekend, South Yarra 17.12(114) defeated Lyndhurst 8.5(53), Black Rock 14.16(100) captured a finals spot with a win over Carrum Patterson Lakes 7.12(54) and Lyndale 12.20(92) finished the season off on a bright note with a win over Moorabbin 13.9(87).
This week’s finals:
Qualifying Final: Ashwood v Endeavour Hills
Elimination Final: Doveton Eagles v Black Rock.
