A race in two?

Gavin Southern

We are almost a quarter of the way through the home and away season and already the ladder suggests this may be a two horse race. I’m not prepared to right off the rest of the competition JUST yet as I believe any team can beat any team on the day but, West Brunswick and Emmaus St. Leo’s are still both undefeated. My early pick for the flag, the Magpies, have the best defence. The Animals, the best attack. You just have to stay healthy. Why? West Brunswick are deep and sit pretty on the reserves ladder as well. I was VERY happy to get my first clean sweep in the tipping as well as predicting a tight match of the round. To the games:

Emmaus St. Leo’s defeated Eley Park

A glorious day for football at Bennettswood reserve started with Chris Beluszar providing a handful by scoring majors to give them a big 6 goal to 1 lead, with the aide of a breeze. The Sharks came out firing in the second kicking 7 goals to 3 goals finished the half of stronger and went into the rooms trailing by only 3 pts. Leigh “Big Boy” Boothy and Noel “burner” Bahnsen scoring multiples to give the Sharks a sniff. Sadly, Eley Park players started to go down again with injuries in the 3rd and the Animals snapped into action. The Animals with their quick ball movement and ability to create off half back, kicked 15 goals to 1 to run over the Sharks by 90 pts. Best for the Animals was Nic Robin off half back and Chris Beluszar with 8 goals.

Glen Eira defeated by Aquinas

Last week, I said Aquinas had a point to prove and they did so in emphatic style cruising to a 104 pt win over a struggling Glen Eira. The Saints were minus Daniel Entwistle whilst, Nathan Dennis was well held. Robert Blair and Andrew Spink were the shining lights in a dark day. Ben Nucifora slotted 8 goals and with a further 8 goal-kickers, the Bloods go to 3rd spot to stake an early claim for finals contention. Glen Eira remain the only win-less side in the Division 3 and I currently can’t quite see where this may come from. Nicholas Morrison-Story was judged best afield.

West Brunswick defeated La Trobe Uni

West Brunswick were happy to be home. La Trobe reportedly had 16 players away at a Music Festival in Bendigo. Maybe this isn’t a game to take much notice of but, the Magpies poor kicking has been a concern all season, that may come back to bite them one day. For the Magpies, Chris Germon continued his stella start to the year and Dave Ferrier provided some real bit around the packs. The Magpies proved to be to large of a mountain for La Trobe as the home side were far to strong, running out 68 point winners. It would have been a larger margin too, if it wasn’t for Lachlan Bences’ heroics and some inaccurate LTUFC kicking.

Power House defeated by Albert Park 

The VAFA website touted this as “The battle of the Lake” and it was up until half-time. Albert Park’s high rotations saw the Falcons have 12 individual goal-kickers and only Ben Leskie of Power House looked like causing any havoc with 4 majors. Ben Raeside, Sean Bermingham and the Cattle brothers were behind the Falcon breaking away to get a comfortable 45 pt victory. Albert Park is currently in the middle of the ladder and most certainly, have the tools to climb.

Swinburne Uni defeated Hawthorn

This was the match of the round and they didn’t disappoint right from the first quarter with the teams going goal for goal. The Hawks had a slight breeze, taking a 7 point advantage in to the first change. The Swinny motor kicked in to gear in the second term as they kicked an amazing 10 goals to nothing. Hawthorn found it near impossible to stop the momentum as they ran hard, hit targets and kicked straight for goal. In the 2nd half, the Hawks arrested the momentum and started to play the game on their terms. Dave Pritchard and Dave Kennedy got on top through the guts and Mick Nunan was controlling the backline. If the Hawks had’ve kicked straight, it would have been even closer than 4 goals at the last break. The Hawks continued this in the last, as they had plenty of chances but couldn’t kick straight enough to take the game. Swinburne clearly did the right things at the right time despite Hawthorn winning 3 quarters of footy and the game. Tom Kennedy again led Swinny with 6 goals and Ashley Woodhead was BOG.

PREVIEW

My match of the round is Aquinas hosting Swinburne Uni with both teams sitting at 2-1. If Aquinas take the same opportunities Hawthorn squandered, It’s an Aquinas victory. Swinburne will make you pay if they don’t – Aquinas.

West Brunswick won’t mind travelling 500 metres to UHS-VU. Despite a week off, UHS-VU should be competitive but, the Magpies will make it 5 straight.

La Trobe host Emmaus St. Leo’s, who have only been challenged once this year. La Trobe are better than 1-4 suggests but, will be 1-5 next week.

Albert Park head out to Hawthorn who won’t be happy being 1-4 either but, the Hawks are starting to gel and will show this on the scoreboard this week.

Power House travel to Whitehorse Reserve and Eley Park. The Sharks injuries are a concern but, home ground advantage gets them over the line.

Glen Eira have the bye and have another challenge next week against Hawthorn.

Aquinas Vs. Swinburne Uni

West Brunswick Vs. UHS-VU

La Trobe Uni Vs. Emmaus St. Leo’s

Hawthorn Vs. Albert Park

Eley Park Vs. Power House