Half way there and still plenty to play in Div 1

Brin Duggan – @BrinDuggan

In the words of Bon Jovi: who-oah, we’re half way there … That’s right, Round 9 is in the books and we have officially completed half the season! PEGS, SMS, Preston, Ormond and Oakleigh are gonna make it – I swear. While Therry, NOBS, Ivanhoe, St Johns and Whitefriars will be livin’ on a prayer for the remainder of the season, hoping they can stay clear of the relegation zone and fight their way back into finals contention come the season’s end. There’s still plenty of footy ahead of us and anything can happen!

PEGS held on to what they’ve got, that being top spot on the ladder, after defeating an inaccurate Ormond. Goals win games, and, unfortunately for Ormond, a final tally of nine goals and 20 behinds told the tale. PEGS were on top early, leading 53 to 25 at halftime but allowed Ormond back into the game in the second half. The Monders will be disappointed not to have pinched the four points, eventually going down by nine, despite having six more scoring shots and the crowd support. The Bombers breathed a sigh of relief thanks to best on, Tylar Vujanic, and gun forward, Adrian Romanyk. After the loss, Ormond drop to fourth place on the ladder, equal with fifth-placed Oakleigh. Simon Keleher and Boyd Upstill can excuse themselves after fantastic all-round games. Ormond may now face an uphill battle to finish in the top two and snare themselves a second chance in finals.

In the other top four battle, big Daniel Ryan said “take my hand” to his SMS teammates as he kicked another bag and helped the Saints knock off the highly-fancied Bullants. The Saints returned to their early season form and shut Preston down from the get go. They increased the difference at every change other than the last and ran out impressive 46-point victors. Leading by 65 at one stage, SMS sent waves through the competition as they reclaimed their authority. Their new dominance can be roughly traced to the inclusion of Dan Ryan from the reserves as he booted five majors, adding to his seven from Round 8. Tim Dudgeon deserves some of the kudos too, as he claimed yet another week of BOG honours, such the guy he is ol’ Dudge. On a dirty day for the Bullants, the Calcedos, Dean and Sean, battled hard and can hold their heads high.

The Krushers brought home their pay after a hard-fought win against Whitefriars. Trailing by 17-points at quarter time, Oakleigh had an uphill struggle ahead of them. Thankfully for them, they kicked into gear, booting 12 of the next 17 goals ensuring a 35-point victory. The Friars will be frustrated that they were not able to remain in the contest but will be happy with the contributions from Mark Richards and Luke Galtieri who put forward some of their best performances for the year. Oakleigh’s forward line was too much for Whitefriars with Tim Bromley, Patrick Ioannidis, Tim Scott and Aaron Cloke combining for 11 goals. Whitefriars will need a vast improvement in the second half of the season, as they are currently sitting a game clear at the bottom of the ladder. Conversely, on the back of their hard fought win, Oakleigh drew even with Ormond on six wins.

In a solid team performance, Therry held strong during a high scoring last quarter from Ivanhoe to claim an important victory. Leading by 26-points after a powerful third quarter, Therry managed to counter the Hoes eight last quarter goals with six of their own, running out 11-point winners. The Hoes proved they can play footy capable of matching it in D1 but were not able to piece together a full four quarter performance. Nick Thornely did put in a solid performance for the Hoers and was named his side’s best. For the winners, Jarrod Egglestone was amazing with two goals in a BOG performance. Egglestone was well supported by Corey Bannister who kicked five of his own. Therry have now jumped a game clear of ninth while Ivanhoe languish on two wins, ahead of St Johns on percentage.

Speaking of St Johns, they will be feeling down on their luck after falling to the NOBS by less than two goals. An oscillating score-line on account of an advantageous scoring end belied the even contest between the teams. A five goal last quarter by the JOCs, which reduced the margin from 30-points to just 11, forced Brunswick’s hearts into their mouths. However, the NOBS showed their mettle and held on to secure their third win of the season. But for some accuracy in front of goals, the JOCs likely would have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. As it went, though, Brunswick were able to capture an important W. Despite his side going down, the contributions of Aaron Thornton cannot be ignored. He was absolutely unstoppable and bagged eight goals. For the NOBS, it was the in-form Chris Horsley that willed his side over the line with four goals in a BOG display. St Johns now sit vulnerably in ninth while the NOBS jump a game clear in seventh spot.

Moving into the second half of the 2017 season, each team will be holding on, ready or not. None more so than Ivanhoe and Whitefriars who face off in a battle that may determine which sides are relegated. I expect the whips to be cracking all day long and the big guns from Ivanhoe to get them over the line. Meanwhile, Ormond will host Therry Penola as they look to shut down any Therry momentum. I’m predicting a boil over here, though, as Therry kick into gear. SMS welcome the JOCs in what should be straightforward for them at Ferndale. I’m tipping SMS by 75 and another bag for Dan Ryan. PEGS invite Brunswick to their fortress as they look to maintain top spot. I cannot see Brunswick getting in the way of their aspirations, PEGS by 60. Finally, Preston come up against Oakleigh in another important match. After losing to the Oaks earlier in the season, my tip is Preston to square the ledger.