By Tyler Lewis
Despite going down 12.11 (83) to 8.9 (57) to South Croydon, it was still a remarkable day for Noble Park in the Eastern Football League’s Premier Division.
Nathan Oakes – who was named best on for the Bulls was meant to be in the stands for another four weeks with a meniscus injury – but four weeks was enough for the young Bull as he returned as if he hadn’t missed a minute. Current Frankston Dolphin listed forward Al Zijai also kicked two majors in his side’s loss.
Rowville, meanwhile, finds itself clinging on to the top four after the Hawks went down 11.21 (87) to 5.5 (35) to ladder leaders Vermont.
Anthony Brolic was a powerful force for the Hawks but he wasn’t enough to stop the rampant Eagles who gear up for yet another premiership contention.
In Southern Football Division 2, The Doveton Eagles were unable to secure third spot in its crucial clash against Murrumbeena, going down 9.12 (66) to 14.13 (97).
The Lions’ elite accuracy in the opening term allowed them to run away with the victory, and both sides shared seven scoring shots in the first stanza but the Lions were able to convert all their shots to take a 20-point buffer into quarter time.
Simon Clarke continued his good form for the Eagles being named best afield, while stablemate Jye Sigersma (three goals) kicked his 19th major from just six games in 2019.
And Keysborough put away Chelsea Heights with ease as they ran away 13.14 (92) to 6.6 (42) victors.
In Division 3, Hampton Park demonstrated why they are the team to beat when they edged out third placed Clayton on Saturday, 12.14 (86) to 11.14 (80).
A six-goal third term put the Redbacks back in it as they surged out to a remarkable four win gap from second placed Endeavour Hills.
Eandeavour Hills, meanwhile, coasted to victory against Cerberus, 15.29 (119) to 2.6 (18).
Although not requiring the percentage boost, the Hills had the opportunity to demolish Cerberus even further but were extremely inaccurate in front of goal – kicking 4.13 (37) in the opening term to just two behinds.
And in Division 4, Hallam punished Lyndale in a stupendous 27.14 (176) to 3.1 (19) victory.
Hallam – who sit percentage ahead of Moorabbin – piled on nine goals to none in the premiership term and didn’t stop there with another seven in the final quarter. Max Little was among the best for the Pumas in the monumental loss.
In other matches, Lyndhurst put Moorabbin to the sword in its 20.9 (129) to 3.6 (24) win. Jarryd McGrath was dominant with six majors in a best afield performance while Matt Johansson was the best for the Roos.
Carrum-Patterson Lakes had a field day against Dandenong, running riot with a 17.23 (125) to 5.4 (34) win.
With a six-goal to none opening term, the game was finished at the first interval – Aaron Wilson kicked another handful to go with his 48 this season.
