Cobras strike as Division 3 gap widens

Mitch op’t Hoog

 Round 2 of Division 3 football has produced some big winning margins as the gap between the top half and bottom half of the table seems to widen. It was the Cobras who recorded the biggest win of the round giving South Melbourne Districts a 134-point reality check. While the “smallest” winning margin was 36-points between UHS-VU and La Trobe University. UHS came out on top in that match and remain undefeated in 2017. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the year plays out, but at this stage, the competition is looking to be quite disjointed. For all teams in Division 3, these early games are going to be crucial to determining ladder positions come the pointy end of the season.

As mentioned above, UHS-VU recorded a hard-fought 36-point victory over rival La Trobe University on the back of an eight goal final quarter at Brens Oval. Despite there only being three points separating the two sides at three quarter, the Vultures spread their wings in the final and were strongest when it mattered. Mitchell Sweeney (five) and Nicholas Ingleton (two & BOG), proved the difference in the final quarter. Bryce Dowler was named best for the Trobers who now fall to fourth on the ladder, two spots below the Vultures.

If there were any concerns about whether Canterbury were true flag contenders, they have now been put to rest. On the back of a 134-point win over South Melbourne Districts, Canterbury have established themselves as the team to beat in the Division 3. 15 goals in the opening half told the story of the day. The Cobras continued their dominance into the second half, piling on another 14 while the Swans managed just seven goals for the match. The Cobras put in  strong team performance with 12 individual goal kickers crammed on to the score card. Thomas Lowden (four), Andrew Hummerston (four & BOG) and Luke Venditti (four) were the main culprits in front of goal. The Swans have faced a baptism of fire two rounds into the season and hold a lowly percentage of just 26.78.

My flag favourite, Power House, have maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a comprehensive 69-point victory over Albert Park at Ross Gregory Oval. Despite missing star recruit Sam Confait, the House took an unassailable lead in the second, increasing the margin from four to 27 at the main break. The Falcons had no answers to the the House’s Nick Nagel who tore open their defensive structure on his way to eight goals. River Carroll (one) was judged best afield while Adrian Snowden fought valiantly with four goals for the Falcons.

After falling to Power House in Round 1, Westbourne Grammarians registered their first victory for the 2017 season in round two, and what a win it was! Westbourne held Point Cook scoreless in the first quarter on their way to a demoralising 84-point victory. Nicholas Schiano, who bagged 32 goals in eight games last season, was unstoppable with nine majors in a match-winning performance for the Warriors. Justin Johns starred from start to finish, while Andrew Auciello and Shane Sinclair were the best Bulldogs.

In the final match of the round, Richmond Central fell to Swinburne University by 46-point at St James Park. Not even a 10-goal haul from Jake Munro could drag his side over the line as the Razorbacks nailed eight goals to three in the third term to put the result beyond doubt. It was a strong team effort that saw Swinburne record their first win for the season with 12 individual goal kickers. Jackson Manning with four was a standout while former De La Sallean, Daniel Close, was awarded best on ground for his relentless work around the ground. The Snakes look to be in a bit of strife this season as they suffer their second loss for the year. They’ll be looking to get in the winners list next week against Point Cook.

In what will be the best round of the week, and what i’m predicting might just be the 2017 grand finalists, Canterbury take on Powerhouse. I’m tipping Canterbury to use their home ground advantage and inflict Power House with their first loss of 2017. The Snakes will look to strike back against Point Cook as both team are chasing their first win of the season. I’m picking Richmond Central by a slender margin. Albert Park will travel away from home to challenge South Melbourne Districts in what should be a tight match. I’m tipping Albert Park to collect their second win of the season away from home. Swinburne University will bravely take on the undefeated UHS-VU AFC, but, unfortunately I can only see this going one way; UHS by a margin of 50+ points. Westbourne at home will face La Trobe University in what should be a high scoring affair. I’m tipping Westbourne to use the knowledge of their home ground and win by less than two goals.