Game abandoned at VAFA HQ

Brenton Mann

Controversy surrounded the game between Elsternwick and St Johns in Round 4, with the game being called off after a major melee in the third quarter, the result pending a VAFA investigation. The melee was sparked by a late bump, and with no ending to the melee in sight, the umpires had no choice but to call the game off. The game was marred by several incidents throughout the game, including a head count called by St Johns in the second quarter. It was anticipated that the game would be fiery considering that Elsternwick’s former captain Aaron Thornton was playing against his old club for the first time. It was an unfortunate end to a game that’s result seemed inevitable with St Johns leading by over 10 goals. The JOCs were a class above the Wicks and may have missed out on valuable percentage boost. As it stands, the result of the game has not been finalised, pending investigation.

After the previous week’s disappointing loss to Ivanhoe, Old Eltham rebounded in grand style with a commanding 60 point win over MHSOB. The Turtles were definitely dealt a handy draw, with three out of the first four rounds at home, and they capitalised. The Unicorns, were super impressive in their win over Paradians but was dealt a firm reality check from the get go. The Turtles banged on five goals to nil in the first and were cruising. But the second was a different story. Melbourne High showed its wares with a stunning five goal second term, but leaked goals the other way and was four goals down at the half. Inaccuracy plagued Eltham in the third quarter, kicking 5.7 but it was enough to stretch its lead to nine goals by the final change. The Turtles seemed to put the cue in the rack in the last, or may have been in preservation mode and ran out winners by ten goals.

In a strange game at Garvey Oval, David Boundy kicked six of the 12 goals scored by both sides for the day. Old Paradians, smarting after its shock loss a week prior, bounced back with a 20 point win over Monash Gryphons. In what was an extremely dour affair, Monash held its own against Paradians early and found itself in front at quarter time. Unfortunately for the Gryphons, they would only kick two more goals for the day. The win sees the Raiders hold their spot in the four and sometimes, teams just have to win ugly. With six goals to two after quarter-time, Paradians did enough to secure the four points.

Richmond Central banked its second win for 2015 with a thumping 92 point win over a hapless South Melbourne. It’s been a horror start to the season for the Districts and they couldn’t hold off a rampaging Richmond Central at Lindsay Hassett Oval. Holland and Munro were the stars for the Snakes as they kicked five a piece and were well supported by Roy with four. South Melbourne forward Mitchell-Russell played a lone hand with six, but it was a small positive on a bleak day. The Districts have started well over the last couple of weeks, and this was no exception. They led by a goal at quarter time and left the Snakes with work to do. But South Melbourne couldn’t maintain the rage. Richmond Central kicked an astonishing 22 goals to seven in the next three quarters and waltzed away with the win.

Northern Blues made its first big statement of 2015 as it handed Ivanhoe its first loss of the year, ensuring the Blues stayed in touch with the top four. They held off a fast finishing Ivanhoe by six points. After an indifferent start to the season, this may turn out to be the impetus for yet another finals berth for this young side. Ivanhoe was jumped early and subsequently played catch-up for the rest of the day. The Blues kicked five goals in the first quarter and left Ivanhoe reeling. But Ivanhoe has made significant strides this season, and this was evident in the second term. It held Northern goalless and kicked three of its own to stay in touch at the main change. The second half was a classic, as momentum swung between both sides. After the Blues kicked six in the third, they were matched by Ivanhoe in the last with six of its own but it was too little too late.

Elsternwick hosted St Johns at Sportscover Arena, in what was a volatile spiteful affair. The JOCs’ form has been solid so far, without being spectacular and they seemed to relish on the wide expanses of VAFA HQ. Aaron Thornton burst out of the blocks with four first quarter goals, as the St Johns was dominant on every line. They won the ball at will, delivered it with purpose and vigour, and was running on top of the ground. Elsternwick will be disappointed with its efforts on the day and will want a change in attitude this week against Melbourne High. For St Johns, it travels Kevin Bartlett Oval in fine form and will want its record to remain unblemished.

Round 5 Tips

Monash Gryphons vs Ivanhoe

Old Paradians vs Old Eltham

Richmond Central vs St Johns

South Melbourne vs Northern Blues

MHSOB vs Elsternwick