Unicorns shock Blues

Brenton Mann

Melbourne High took its first big scalp of 2015, when it knocked-off Northern Blues by 20 points at home, in doing so confirmed its status as a finals smokey. The Unicorns squared the ledger at 4–4 and are now a legitimate finals aspirant. They sit sixth, a game and percentage outside the top-four and this week’s game against Richmond Central is a must win if they’re to stay in touch. Unfortunately for Northern, the loss sees them drop-out of the top-four and they face a stern test as they host an in-form Old Eltham. One would assume that goal-kicking practice would have been on the agenda over the break as the Blues kicked a dismal 10.21 (81) against Melbourne High. The Unicorns spread the load up forward with Svirskis, “Panda” Hawking and Toman all kicking three majors. They’ll go in warm favourites this week against Richmond Central, who were extremely disappointing against Eltham pre-bye.

Old Eltham was back to its attacking best at Kevin Bartlett Reserve with Tranter returning to the side with 10 goals. Add to that the hard-working Woods and crafty Mizzi bagging five apiece the Turtles were on song. The game was tight early before the Turtles exploded with a ten goal second quarter. The game was done and dusted by halftime as Eltham led by 65 points and cruised to victory. For the Snakes, Munro returned to form with five goals but lacked both support and supply. The win sees Old Eltham shoot clear of fourth placed Old Paradians and their performance will need to be replicated this week against Northern Blues. For the Snakes, they make the trek across Macrobertson’s Bridge to take on fellow finals aspirant Melbourne High, in what looms as a sterner test than expected.

An inaccurate Ivanhoe put the lowly Elsternwick to the sword, as it kicked 12 goals in the second-half on its way to thumping 97 point win. Elsternwick was on the back-foot from the opening bounce and barely gave a yelp. The Hoes forwards did as they pleased, registering 12 goal-kickers, led by Lovell who slotted four. They also had seven multiple goal-kickers which further underlined their attacking prowess. This is no doubt a strength that the undefeated St Johns have duly noted and will want to restrict in this week’s top-of-the-table clash. The game marks St Johns’ sternest test yet and promises to be a classic. Elsternwick host Old Paradians, and with the game being played on the smaller Oval 2 at VAFA HQ, it will be a toss of the coin. The Wicks will try and bottle the game up while Dave Boundy may have his second day out in as many weeks.

Boundy made a mockery of South Melbourne’s depleted backline as he booted nine and was well supported by James Kandilakis (4) and Michael Bellizia with three. The Raiders did as they pleased against a Districts’ side that seems to be in freefall. Senior Coach Gary March must be wondering what he got himself into, his side seems devoid of all form and confidence and may go through the year without a win. Paradians have failed to iron out their inconsistencies from last year, which will need to be rectified if they’re to hold their spot in the top-four. They still struggle to match it with the top sides and will need and percentage boosting win against Elsternwick to hold off the likes of Northern Blues, Richmond Central and Melbourne High in the run home. South Melbourne host fellow cellar-dweller Monash this week, would have hopefully set themselves over the bye for a chance to bank its first points.

Monash gave St Johns a fright in its Round 7 encounter as the Gryphons jumped the JOCs and held a three goal lead at the first change. Unfortunately for Monash, that’s where the good news stopped. The sluggish JOCs burst to life in the second term, they held the Gryphons scoreless and booted seven majors. The JOCs went into the half five goals up and full of running. It was much of the same in the second half as St Johns’ midfield started to dominate and forwards Rohan Scott (6) and Aaron Thornton (4) cashed in. The pair are developing into one of the better forward duos in Div 2 with a great mix of hardness, football nous and innate goal sense. The JOCs did what they needed to do and ran away winners by 11 goals. The Gryphons simply didn’t have the spread of talent to match it with their more fancied opponent but have a chance for redemption this week against South Melbourne. St Johns have ticked all the boxes thus far, and met every challenge thrown at them with class and vigour. Ivanhoe though will prove a different beast. Both teams are both defensively and offensively sound, with the assumption that this game will be won and lost in the midfield.

Round 9 Tips

Elsternwick vs Old Paradians

South Melbourne vs Monash Gryphons

MHSOB vs Richmond Central

St Johns vs Ivanhoe

Northern Blues vs Old Eltham