Swans, Hawks fly high in Division 3

Glen Eira produced their first victory for 2016 as they defeated Albert Park by 45 points at Packer Reserve. Nine individual goal kickers showcased the Saints’ ability to share the load, with Matthew Cassidy top scoring with three of his side’s 13. Nathan Cattle was the Falcons’ best player, while Nick Materia snagged three of his own.

Hawthorn AFC’s incredible strike rate since mid-season last year continued as they ran over the top of La Trobe University by 41 points at Rathmines Road Reserve. Seven goals in the first term set up the win for the Hawks, with towering forward line unit, Jason Ince, registering a bag of five. Mitchell Oliver and Mitchell Gleeson did their utmost to keep La Trobe in the match as they combined for six goals.

With the momentum of dual premierships in seniors and reserves behind them, Canterbury tore shreds off their 2015 Division 4 Grand Final opponent, Parkside, as they ran out 107-point winners at Pitcher Park. 34 scoring shots to 17 painted the picture as the Cobras refused to give the Red Devils an inch. It was the Rohan Walmsley show as the Cobras’ star bagged seven goals in a best-on-ground performance.

Power House reaped the rewards of an intense pre-season as they defeated Aquinas by 16 points at Ross Gregory Oval. Despite trailing by 11 points at quarter time, Power House sent through 11 of the next 17 goals to run out comfortable winners. Ryal Yak and Steve Devine were sublime in their match-winning performances, while Patrick O’Leary bagged four majors for Aquinas.

Swinburne came out on top in the first battle of the universities, beating UHS-VU by 46 points at St James Park. The Vultures had four more scoring shots than the Razorbacks, but inaccurate kicking (8.21) cost them any chance of pushing for a Round One win. Jackson Manning registered four goals for the winning side, while Charles Jackson stood strong as the Vultures’ best player.

South Melbourne Districts put the disappointment of one win in 2015 behind them as they recorded a sensational 30-point victory against Elsternwick at Peterson Street Reserve. A nine-goal to four opening half set the scene for what was to come as the Swans continued to apply scoreboard pressure on their way to the four points. Ben Wardle kicked three in the win, while Steve Clarke dominated in a best-on-ground performance.