By Tyler Lewis
Keysborough shook off a wasteful start against Caulfield to run away 10.11 (71) to 5.13 (43) victory in Southern Football League Division 2 on Saturday.
Chris Bryan brought up his season half-century with his two majors on the weekend, while Anthony Brannan was named best afield. Stuart Paterson was named the best for Caufield.
The finals begin a week early for the Gulls this week when they take on Springvale Districts, who sit on top of the ladder.
The Doveton Eagles, meanwhile, cruised to victory after a blistering opening half against Heatherton, winning 10.13 (73) to 2.5 (17).
Nick Battle was the best for the Eagles with four majors while Adam Read also added three.
Chris Tosin was the best for Heatherton, who now face relegation at season’s end if they can’t beat East Brighton in the final round.
For Doveton, they are expected to make the finals after they take on Skye in Round 18.
In Division 3, ladder-leading Hampton Park continued its winning ways against Endeavour Hills on the weekend, 9.9 (63) to 5.3 (33).
The Redbacks did as they have all year when they jumped the Hills early and coasted home from then.
Shaun Walsh was the best for Hampton Park while Nathan Reid was named best afield for Endeavour Hills.
Endeavour Hills have the opportunity to move into second position when they take on Clayton this weekend in the final round.
The Hills have a mammoth percentage and if they win they will equal Clayton on wins and surpass them on percentage to steal second place. Hampton Park will play Black Rock, who they are expected to beat comfortably.
Hampton Park forward Peter Dye (62 season goals) has his name on the league’s goal kicking award already, leading the next best Jarrod Marolla (50 goals) by 12 majors.
And in Division 4, Hallam relished in the opportunity to gain some percentage against Dandenong, winning 15.16 (106) to 2.3 (15).
The Hawks went goalless in the opening term but flicked the switch in the second and the last to run away big winners.
A brilliant 7.5-to-nil final term boosted the victory for the Hawks – Rory McIvor was best afield with his three majors.
Despite winning big and gaining some percentage, Moorabbin holds a two point deficit over Hallam due to the draw against the Dolphins – it will come down to the Round 18 clash against second placed South Yarra if the Hawks are to sneak into fourth.
Lyndhurst inflicted some pain on Lyndale when it won 13.10 (88) to 0.2 (2) on Saturday.
The Lightning is a formidable side this season and made the most of their opportunities in front of goal early to put away any doubt of taking the four points.
Hamish Browning continued his form in front of goal when he booted four and won best afield for Lyndhurst while Jayden Denmead was named the best afield for Lyndale in his side’s disappointing display.
The Lightning – who sit on top of the ladder – will get a taste of finals early when they take on third placed Frankston Dolphins on the weekend.
Lyndale, meanwhile, have the chance to scalp its second victory when it takes on Dandenong who also have only the singular victory.
In the Eastern Football League Premier Division, Montrose stuck with Rowville for the best part of a half before the Hawks flexed their muscles in the second half to take away a 14.7 (91) to 8.9 (57) win.
A seven-goal to one premiership term set up the win for the Hawks who had nine individual goal scorers. Ziggie Alwan was the best for the Hawks with his three majors.
Rowville will take on Noble Park in the next round of the season.
Noble Park suffered its 10th loss of the season when it went down to an inaccurate Blackburn, 9.17 (71) to 6.6 (42).
Nathan Oakes was best afield for the Bulls again while Jake Hammond booted five for the Panthers.
