Final Quarter Blitzes

David Chalmers

There are many variables in footy: form, momentum, injuries and weather conditions. While the weather in Round 4 was clear and sunny, it was also windy, and it’s fair to say the wind directly impacted the results of three of the matches in Premier B. Fitzroy and Parkdale both got their first wins for the season and they did it in starkly different fashions. Fitzroy overcame their habitual third-quarter jitters to run over Mazenod, while Parkdale led OMs by 40 points at three quarter time and went scoreless in the last, managing to hold on for a narrow win.
There’s something heart-warming about the winning celebrations of a previously winless side; indeed, the mood among Fitzroy players and supporters after their victory over Mazenod was befitting of a finals win. While by no means were they getting carried away, it’s just good to get on the board. The Roys started the game stronger but failed to exert scoreboard pressure, managing only 1.7 in the first quarter. They put on their kicking boots and took control in the second, kicking six goals and taking a 15 point lead into half time. Fitzroy’s third quarters so far this season have been poor, and it seemed like both clubs knew it. Mazenod kicked the first five goals before Fitzroy finally found a goal 20 minutes in, through Greg Hesse. They added a couple more to take a four-point lead at the last change. Despite Mazenod kicking the first of the quarter through Ben Phibbs, the Roys players settled and kicked the next five goals on the trot. Phibbs replied with a couple more for the Nodders and the lead was cut back to three goals. The Roys lifted and kicked three more goals to put the result beyond doubt. Corbin Stevic kicked six for the Roys, while Jeremy Devlin kicked two and was among the best in his first game for the season for Mazenod.

Old Brighton, challenged by a willing opposition and another swag of changes to their line-up, defeated Caulfield Grammarians by 55 points. Caulfield had first use of a significant wind advantage, scoring four goals for the quarter. The Tonners, however were efficient into the breeze, goals to Marcel Bruin, Charlie King and Harry Cannon completed a satisfactory quarter. The second quarter provided the Tonners with the chance to take hold of the match and they did. Caulfield began to feel the pressure of the Tonners’ collective effort to deny them space and when they did mount an attack into the breeze, the Tonners’ defenders drove them back. The Tonners attacked relentlessly in the final term, booting 8.2. As Caulfield tired and spaces opened up around the contests. Goals came with a rush through Bruin, Healy, King and Dan Anthony, who leads all comers with 19 goals after four rounds. For Caulfield, Keegan Stewart kicked three, Neratzoglou and Reilly continued their solid contributions and Barker also impressed.

Hampton Rovers made five changes to their team ahead of their clash at TH King against St Kevin’s Old Boys. The Rovers worked hard all day but struggled to match the quality of the home side. In fine conditions at Glen Iris, SKOB kicked with the breeze in the first and while the Rovers had plenty of the ball early on, it didn’t take long for St Kevin’s to turn it on. They held a 38-point lead at the first break, although they were wasteful in front of goal, kicking 7.11 in the opener and 12.18 for the half. The Rovers had twice as many scoring shots as their opponents in the third term as they managed to control the footy and put the home side under pressure. Going into the final change the margin was 35 points but the feeling was the Rovers weren’t out of the contest. St Kevin’s put any notion of a comeback out of the equation as they kicked five unanswered goals to blow the margin out in this skipper Anthiony Lynch’s 200^th game. Kyle Docherty joined Matt Robbins (5 goals) in the best for Rovers, whilst St Kevin’s had 12 individual goalkickers and were led well by Henry Parkes (5 goals), McCann and Steven Salopek.

St Bedes/Mentone have been the quiet achievers of Premier B, notching up three straight wins while remaining in the shadow of the Tonner’s and SKOB’s undefeated starts. While their victory over AJAX ended up being a comprehensive 47 points at first glance, they were challenged all day and got home with the aid of the wind after holding a one-point lead only at the final change. The Jackas were left to rue a goalless second quarter, which left them five goals down at the main break. AJAX made the most of the wind in the third to leave themselves in with a chance. However, the Tigers had other ideas, finishing with eight goals to one to earn a comfortable win. Mitchell Coen led the way with three goals, while Pat Kean and Paul Wintle were also very good for the Tigers. Jake Lew kicked three for the Jackas and Jason Ritterman returned to be among the best.
Parkdale were at home for the first time this year, hosting Old Melburnians, with a lot at stake for both sides. Parkdale had a dream start, kicking five goals while holding Old Melburnians goalless in the first quarter. Conditions meant both sides had trouble finding the big sticks. The Vultures found themselves with a 40-point lead at the last change but the OMs were kicking with the wind. Incredibly, they kept Parkdale scoreless but only managed 3.10 themselves, falling short by two goals. Despite the loss, Old Melburnians remain fourth and the Vultures join four other teams on one win. Tom Hywood returned to kick two goals for OMs, while regular contributors Tom Paule, Will Thompson and Nick Daish were again very good. Parkdale were well served by Thomas Redmond (3 goals), Daniel Moloney and Michael Graham.

Round 5 shapes up as an intriguing one and a tricky one to tip a winner. The two undefeated teams will meet, with Old Brighton hosting St Kevins; Old Melburnians will look to bounce back against St Bedes/Mentone; there’s a showdown between last year’s Premier C grand finalists Hampton and Parkdale; Caulfield returns to Glenhuntly Oval to meet a rejuvenated Fitzroy, and Mazenod will face off with AJAX.
Old Brighton v St Kevins
Old Melburnians v St Bedes/Mentone Tigers
Hampton Rovers v Parkdale
Caulfield v Fitzroy
Mazenod v AJAX