When you have missed footy for six months a win on the opening day of the season is just about the best feeling in football outside of finals. Sadly for half the teams today, an loss can feel like the worst loss the club could possibly have. All that pre-season training, just thrown back in your face.
Premier B action saw Old Ivanhoe unfurl their Premier C premiership flag in front of a huge crowd at Chelsworth Park before being completely beaten by a fast, skilful and determined AJAX. Fayman kicked five goals in the 76 point win that sees the Jackas in second place. The two clubs were playing for the Henry Jolson Cup and AJAX would be pleased adding this silverware to the trophy cabinet, but on this performance might be looking for higher honours later this year.
University Blues sit on top of a ladder for the first time in a while after they made the first statement of the Premier B season with a thumping 93 point win over Old Meburnians at the Uni. The Blues had 12 individual goal scorers with Nixon kicking four in Quinton Gleeson’s first game in charge.
Fitzroy caused an upset defeating St Kevin’s at TH King. The Roys were challenged late but responded to win by 14 points, Turner kicking five goals. Old Carey showed they would be no slouch in Premier B by defeating Mazenod at Central Reserve by 37 points. It was Old Carey’s first win since Round 9 last year and their midfield representative stars in Smithwick (4) and Roach (3) were amongst the goals.
Caulfield Grammarians won in Round 1 for the first time in a couple of seasons, defeating Old Haileyburians away by 20 points. O’Keefe bagged four for the Fields whilst Meehan also had four for Old Haileybury.
In Premier C, Marcellin got their season off to the perfect start with a 43 point win at the promoted Ormond. Bolger (4 goals) was amongst the best.
PEGS and Oakleigh battled all day with the Bombers pinching the points in a come from behind win in the last to salute by 11 points.
Peninsula defeated Banyule by 37 points to make the Bears trip home from Mt Eliza a little sour.
Old Camberwell came to play at Monash and Jack Duke starred with five goals as the Wells earned a 15 point win.
Hampton Rovers unfurled their Division 1 flag at Boss James and did what Old Ivanhoe couldn’t do and celebrated the occasion with a commanding win. The Rovers won by 85 points to sit top of Premier C tonight. Corp kicked 7 and Turner 4 whilst a certain G. Martyn managed to pull on the boots and kick two goals himself whilst coaching another win.
Two incredible come-from-behind wins provided the exclamation points to an entertaining afternoon of top-flight action. One of the most astonishing back-from-the-dead performances we’ve seen in recent years occurred at Melbourne
In a match that somehow lived up to its considerable billing, Parkdale Vultures emerged 13.6 (84) to 11.8 (74) victors over AJAX, in their top of the table clash. AJAX
Round 8 of the Division 1 Men’s competition was fairly uneventful with most of the favourites getting up and ascending their claim on the top half of the ladder. After
