Strange things happening in Division 1

Brin Duggan – @Brin_Duggan

There were some strange and totally unexpected outcomes in Round 7 of Division 1 footy, so strange, in fact, that I’ve made a call to agents Mulder and Scully to help me try and figure out what happened. They will be here by week’s end but they’ve asked me to compile a dossier on the strange events that unfolded on Saturday 27^th May at 1400 hours.

The first strange occurrence was at Alec Gillon Oval. The NOBS were excited to face Ormond on Saturday but mystery struck with three of their best players felled by injury before the bounce and a fourth in the opening minutes of the game. To compound matters, Ormond were on song and took a 63-16 lead into the major break. An eight goal to one second half blew the game open with the Monders running out 94-point victors. If not for Chris Horsley and manful ruckman, Scott Thomas, a dreaded three-figure loss would have besieged Brunswick NOBSPC. Ormond, however, had contributors across the board with 10 different goal kickers but Simon Keleher and Matt Hine combined for five goals and were the standouts.

Alright, now this is where things get particularly creepy. Coming into this game, Ivanhoe were languishing on one win and SMS were entirely unbackable. But something strange happened. Ivanhoe matched the Saints and even managed to kick away in the second to lead by two goals at half time. There was an air of inevitability that SMS would turn it on in the second half and win but that never came to be. It was the contrary, with Ivanhoe the far stronger side after the main break. Five goals and 17 scoring shots was more than enough for the Hoes to run out six goal winners. Reports of SMS players vanishing during play were unsubstantiated but their usual suspects found the going tough. Kyle Duerden and Alex Bussell were two of the Saints lone stars, both putting in solid performances. For the Hoes, Mitch Lovell booted four goals and Liam Jacob and Reece Cotter stood out as they helped their team secure the unforeseen victory.

The eerie happenings continued out at PEGS Sporting Fields as Preston outplayed, outscored and ousted PEGS from ladder leadership. A dominant second quarter had PEGS leading by 24-points at the main break but Preston coach, George Wakim, marshalled his troops and reignited their belief. As if he had seen it in a dream and his visions became a reality, Preston rode an eight to two goal second half to secure a 14-point victory over the previously undefeated PEGS. Damon Marcon was again amongst the goals for the Bullants but it was Lachlan McRedmond that was named BOG. For a disappointed PEGS, James Lenhart and Jack Condon fought hard for four quarters and can hold their heads high.

Order was somewhat restored down at W.A Scammell as Oakleigh lead Therry at every quarter on their way to an understated 41-point victory. Some strange magnetic forces seemed to be drawing the ball away from the goal with 31 points kicked in the game. Therry can be thankful for those forces, though, as the Oaks only managed 13.21. 10 individual goal scorers spread the load for the Krushers as Adam Matthieson and Patrick Ioannidis ramped it up around the ground in classic performances. Though Therry went down, Brock Egglestone’s best game for the year will be an encouraging sign while Rory MacGregor made a statement with two goals and a commanding performance. Therry’s loss, combined with Ivanhoe’s win, leaves them languishing at second to bottom with one win out of seven games.

Prior to Saturday I would have said that a Whitefriars over St Johns win was “unlikely, but not outside the realm of possibility”. By half time, “unlikely” was “probable” as they had built a 35-point lead. The JOCs fought their way back into the contest by the final break, trailing by just 22-points. But a fight against a spirited Friars outfit and a stiff breeze proved too much as Whitefriars kicked away to a 57-point win to crack open their egg as they doubled the JOCs score. Michael Nitas and Angus Hands combined for eight of the Friars’ 16 goals as they both walked home with a strut in their step. The JOCs will be bitterly disappointed but best on Brodie Worland and a fighting Glenn Costas can excuse themselves from the harsher parts of the review.

Scully and Mulder are on their way to find out what caused the most disorienting round of the season thus far, but, let’s put that away and look ahead to Round 8. SMS host Oakleigh as they look to make up for the debacle that was last week. The Saints will come out fierce and firing but it won’t all be smooth sailing. SMS to get home in a close one with some battered bodies left in the wake. Across at Ivanhoe Park, the Hoes will be looking to build their season around the SMS victory as they look to challenge Ormond. Can they do the unthinkable again? I think they, can and I’m picking Ivanhoe to shock the Division again. Game of the round sees Therry hosting Brunswick in a hugely important match for both sides. With Brunswick reeling from injury, and Therry gun Brock Egglestone in red hot form, I’m going with Therry to get their second win. St Johns will host Preston and a dismantling looms for the high-flying Bullants who will want to capitalise on their spot at the top of the ladder. Preston by 80+. The final game has Whitefriars welcoming a deflated PEGS. What a difference a week makes. PEGS will bounce back and win but don’t be surprised to see the Friars right there at the pointy end.

Feature photo: Phil Skeggs