Division 3: Who can beat ESL?

By Gavin Southern – @gavsouthern

Aquinas defeated by Albert Park

Aquinas never seemed troubled. Dominating the game at home, increasing their lead at each exchange until late in the last quarter when Albert Park finished on a 5 to 1 goal term and reduced the margin from 43 to 20 points. This victory well and truly sews up 3rd and a mock final against West Brunswick, next week. Justin Antinucci was the Falcons best with Ryan Want and Jared Mills leading the goal-kickers with 2 apiece. Patrick O’Leary (BOG) and Jack Price led all goal-scorers with 3 each. 

Emmaus St. Leo’s defeated West Brunswick

A great day for footy at Bennettswood between the two top sides. West Brunswick came out running with the Animals looked out of sorts as they missed a lot of easy chances in the first half. The Magpies held a 27-point lead at 1/2 time. The Animals defence stiffened up in the third and they got on top in the midfield and banged on 7 goals but were still down by 5 points at the end of the third quarter. It was an arm wrestle in the last with the Magpies holding the lead for most of the last quarter due to some inaccurate ESL goal kicking, however, the Animals managed a few goals late to take off a 7-point victory. Best on ground for the Animals, was Jon ‘Chooka’ O’Connor. James Simpson and Cashin Cormac were best for the Magpies. 

Glen Eira defeated by Power House

Glen Eira hosted Power House and yet another 200 game milestone event took place. This time for Saint Steve Vamvakis. Power House has vivid memories from the last time they allowed the Saints to beat them on their ground by 18 points and Saturday was redemption. Firing out to a 34 point lead at half-time, it seemed like they not only swapped ends but jumpers as well. The Saints restricted Power House to just the solitary point in the third to then snatch the lead by a point, 3-4 minutes into the last. For fear of déjà vu, Power House then rallied and outscored them 3 goals to 1, to run out (eerily) 18-point victors. Daniel Entwistle (4 goals) again fired and Rob McGirr was the Saints best whilst Luke Stubbs (6 goals) was head and shoulders above the rest for Power House.

Swinburne Uni defeated UHS-VU

Swinburne Uni and UHS-VU faced off to decide the bottom two places in the finals. The first quarter was tightly contested, however the Razorbacks should have put them away if not for squandered opportunities, kicking 2-7 to the Vultures solitary goal. Swinny welcomed back Danny “Doc” Manning as he kicked all of his 4 goals in the 1st half, running hard from the wing. The 2nd & 3rd quarters saw the Razorbacks get ahead with some outstanding backline pressure through Marcus Lingham and Michael Daly who never allowed their opponents to get an easy kick. With some heated contests at times, the Vultures fought hard in the last to save the important percentage for finals positions. Dean Benstead led the Vultures with 3 goals and Swinny’s Daniel Noonan was BOG.

Eley Park defeated by Hawthorn

In the only one-sided affair for the round, the injury-plagued Sharks were blown out of the water early (46-3 1st quarter) by Hawthorn but were more than competitive for the middle two quarters. The Sharks were happy with players such as Dan Isaac, Chris Marsiglio and Owen Dickson. Andrew Zaicos was a welcome return and played well off halfback. For the Hawks, the “Derricks” were strong with Dave Pritchard and Brad “Muddy” Waters dominating. Rich Ogge was strong up forward with 6 majors, Jess Kenneally (5) and Jesse Lehmann (4) relishing some time up forward. The Hawks’ supreme fitness showed through kicking 10 goals in the last quarter. Dean “Ranchy” Monohan has been super on the wing since getting his photo in the paper and Paul Noons was solid down back all day.

MATCH OF THE ROUND PREVIEW

West Brunswick (2nd) host Aquinas (3rd) in my match of the round. Both lost by single figures to St. Leo’s recently and this will be a big one. West Brunswick to get the points if they kick straight. Emmaus St Leo’s have the bye, but might well be in attendance at this game or down at Bren’s Oval to see their likely first round finals opponent play.

West Brunswick by 8 points.

Tips

Uhs-Vu Vs. Glen Eira
Albert Park Vs. Eley Park
West Brunswick Vs. Aquinas
Hawthorn Vs. La Trobe
Swinburne Vs. Power House