Vultures overrun Saints for first loss of 2016, Hawks reclaim top spot

Aquinas snapped a 10-game losing streak in Division 3 and recorded their second-highest victory for 2016 when they defeated Elsternwick by 82 points at Aquinas College. Leading by 39 at the last break, the Bloods hit the accelerator and booted six unanswered goals to blow the margin out. Michael Palmer and Nick Wright led their chargers on the scoreboard with three goals each for the Bloods, while Nick Contin flew the flag for the Wickers as their most impressive contributor.

Hawthorn reclaimed top spot on the Division 3 ladder on the back of a commanding 70-point victory against the fifth-placed South Melbourne Districts. Dean Monohan starred in a best-on-ground performance for the Hawks, while Jason Ince (five), Ross McDermott (four), Sam Gold (three) and Luke Piccolo (two) each kicked multiples. Max Mitchell-Russell was outstanding from the Swans’ point of view as he piled on eight goals after slotting 11 two rounds ago. The Swans sit a game clear in fifth but have a much higher percentage than those below them.

UHS-VU made it seven consecutive wins as the knocked off the previously undefeated Glen Eira by 13 points in an unbelievable come-from-behind victory at Packer Reserve. Trailing by 34 points at half time, the Vultures piled on 12 goals to four in the second half which included eight in an inspired third term. Mitch Sweeney, Nick Devereux and Joseph Turner combined for nine of the Vultures’ 15 goals, while Nick Ingleton ran riot in a best-on-ground display. Ashley Carey kicked two and was named best for the Saints, who now fall from first position on the ladder for the first time since Round 10.

Albert Park kept their slender finals chances alive as they defeated Parkside by 75 points at Pitcher Park. Michael Brannelly (five) and Nicholas Materia (four) were the main recipients in front of goal for the Faslcons, and James Brick recorded two and earnt BOG honours. Charles Hogg was best for the Red Devils in just his second game for the year and Darren Gresham top scored with two goals. The Falcons sit eighth and two games outside the top six.

Power House continued their fight for finals as they recorded their four successive win with an 18-point victory over Canterbury. Trailing by five points at the last break, the House booted five goals to one in the fourth term, with Nicholas Nagel starring on his way to eight majors. River Carroll and Adam Collett both snagged three for the House, while Mitchell Szabo and Rohan Walmsley kicked three each for the seventh-placed Cobras.

La Trobe University will be near-on impossible to knock from third position on the ladder as they defeated Swinburne University by 62 points under lights at La Trobe. Mitch Gleeson (four) and Bryce Dowler (three) led the way again on the scoreboard for La Trobe, while Danny and Jackson Manning were instrumental to keeping the Razorbacks in the game for a lot of the night.