Opening Day Division 4

There were a number of games of interest as Division 4 welcomed new club Masala, welcomed back Mount Lilydale and South Mornington and said hello to an olf VAFA friend in Parkside who returned to the VAFA after a 12 year hiatus in the Northern FL.

Parkside had a tough assignment against last year’s preliminary finalists and most people’s fancy for flag, Canterbury. The Red Devils gave everything and almost pulled off a famous first up victory, however the Cobras found a way, kicking six goals in the last quarter to see Canterbury come from behind a win by the smallest possible margin. Fitzgerald booted five for the visitors.

There were jubilant scenes at Turner Reserve as Masala won their first ever senior game in the VAFA, defeating Chadstone by 26 points. The Tigers’ spicy footy proved too much for the Synners who are still chasing a first win in two seasons.

South Mornington’s return to the section where they won the 2012 premiership was not a good one as the Tigers couldn’t prevent North Brunswick from handing them a 97 point humbling on their own patch. Gallagher’s five goals were the standout for the visiting Bulls.

Manningham Cobras appeared to be cruising to comfortable win at three quarter time, but a goalless last quarter and four goals to Point Cook had the Bulldogs ahead by four points at the final siren for a significant away victory on opening day.

It was a welcome return to the side for Box Hill North champion Dan Penny who booted seven goals on the way to the Demons recording a 59 point win over Mount Lilydale.