Power House stun Swans, La Trobe’s streak ends at nine

By Ren Thompson – @renthompson

Power House surprised the higher ranked South Melbourne Districts to keep their slim Finals hopes alive, while the Vultures outlasted the red-hot La Trobe to end their nine game winning streak in a thrilling 4-point victory. Our division leaders cruised to victories in a round where difficult conditions cooled the hot scoring of last week. Lets check out the games…

Glen Eira AFC def. Aquinas OC

Glen Eira travelled to Aquinas College and defeated the Bloods by 42 points, 99-57, as their unbeaten streak marches on to an incredible 14 straight games. Trying conditions resulted in Aquinas remaining closer than many, including myself, expected in the first half but it was a second half onslaught that sealed the victory for Glen Eira and improved their chances at going 18-0. Julius Waras Carstensen once again was the spearhead for the Saints booting five goals, but Matt Harris was the star booting three goals in a best on ground performance. Ben Adam was best for Aquinas who at times show glimpses of the form needed to end this losing slide now at nine straight games.

Canterbury Football Club def. Elsternwick AFC

It was a final quarter scoring flourish by Canterbury that broke the hearts of Elsternwick as they overcame a 16-point three quarter time deficit to defeat the Wickers by 26 points, 100-74. Elsternwick had been stellar through three quarters and looked a great chance to record their first win since Round 8 however inaccurate kicking resulted in the Cobras remaining within striking distance. It was an opportunity that Canterbury capitalised on as the home team piled on seven goals to one, their relentless attacks were too venomous for the Wickers who couldn’t hold on to the lead and fell to their sixth straight loss. Canterbury on the other hand clings on to sixth spot on the ladder with only four games remaining.

UHS-VU AFC def. La Trobe University AFC

Tough conditions resulted in a tough game between two of the hottest teams in Division 3 but it was the Vultures who held off the fast-finishing La Trobe outfit to secure the 4-point thrilling win, 43-39, and record their fifth straight win. UHS-VU adapted best to the conditions in the early going as they were able to fight their way to a 13-point lead at half-time on some great play from Joe Turner and Tom Woodlock, but La Trobe wasn’t ready to concede the game just yet. In a stirring third quarter, La Trobe booted five goals to bring themselves right back into contention trailing by less than a goal with only a quarter remaining. However in the fourth the Vultures were able to hang on in the low scoring battle to escape with the thrilling win and move to fourth on the ladder.

Swinburne University AFC def. Parkside Football Club

Swinburne kept their ever so slim Finals chances alive with a 48-point thumping of the Red Devils, 85-37, at Pitcher Park. After a low scoring first half where the Razorbacks held Parkside to a lone goal, Swinny exploded in the third quarter booting six goals to one taking a commanding 53-point lead into final quarter. Parkside were able to pinch a few back to reduce the deficit but the damage had been done as Parkside fell to another loss and back to the bottom of the ladder. Matthew Greenwood was the man of the match for Swinburne whose final four games are against opponents higher than them on the ladder. It’s going to take all of their might to have any chance at playing September footy but a great win to build on.

Hawthorn AFC def. Albert Park AFC

The Hawks thrashed the Falcons by 49 points, 92-43, in a ‘Battle of the Birds’ at Rathmines Road Reserve. After a competitive first quarter that saw the teams separated by only 8 points, Hawthorn broke free of Albert Park’s pressure in the second quarter kicking four goals and building a lead that proved insurmountable for the visiting side. Ross McDermott continued his incredible form as the power forward was the star with four goals after running rampage last week with a bag of 11 majors. While Kyle Harrison and Nathan Raiti were among the best for the Hawks, James Brick was the best on ground for the Falcons for the second straight week. Albert Park fall to their fifth straight loss and have a difficult test when they face a frustrated La Trobe squad in the next round.

Power House AFC def. South Melbourne Districts

Power House caused the biggest surprise of Round 14 as they used a dominant second half to cruise to a 31-point victory against South Melbourne Districts, 70-39, at Ross Gregory Oval. In a tight first half the Swans held a 1-point lead at the main break however Ant Voyage’s message to his chargers at the break worked a treat. As Power House took the initiative in an impressive second half where they scored seven goals to two including holding the Swans scoreless in the final quarter to put the game beyond doubt. Dominic Mitchell and James O’Neil were the best for Power House who remain in Finals race with the stirring victory.

PREVIEW

With only four rounds remaining every game is becoming vital in the race for the top six. While the top three look almost set in stone, six teams still battle for the bottom three places and a loss could be dire. Glen Eira and Hawthorn will hope to continue their winning streaks and avoid a slip-up loss against the Wickers and the Cobras respectively. La Trobe will look to take out some frustrations after their tough lost to UHS-VU on the road at Albert Park. South Melbourne should avoid a second stunning loss by rebounding against Parkside. UHS-VU host a reeling Aquinas and will look to make it six straight wins while Aquinas will look to avoid their 10 straight loss. Finally Swinburne host Power House where the loser will almost surely say goodbye to their dream of Finals football.

TIPS

UHS-VU AFC vs Aquinas OC

Canterbury Football Club vs Hawthorn AFC

Elsternwick AFC vs Glen Eira AFC

South Melbourne Districts vs Parkside Football Club

Albert Park AFC vs La Trobe University AFC

Swinburne University AFC vs Power House AFC