Cardinals hold on against Panthers, Tonners edge past Blues in thriller

Five unanswered goals in the final term helped Old Brighton to a sensational one-point come-from-behind victory over Monash Blues at Brighton Beach Oval. The Tonners trailed at every break and by as much as 28 at three-quarter time, before piling on 5.1 to 0.2 in a thrilling fourth term. Dylan Verney starred for the undefeated Tonners, while Tom Fisher and Verney’s co-captain Harry Hill were outstanding. Keegan Mason stood out for the Blues for the second consecutive week and Andrew Pitson backed up his four goals last week with another three. The Blues remain fifth on the ladder but the loss puts them two games behind Ajax in fourth.

Peninsula secured their second victory for the season when they hosted Fitzroy on the Peninsula School Ground for the first time this year, running out 14-point winners. The Pirates have played most of their home games at Frankston City Oval or Sportscover Arena, but showcased their ability to exploit the proper home ground advantage as they came from 20 points down at half time with 11 goals to six after the main break. Captain Stu Grigg was instrumental to his side’s performance, while Stefan Barbour kicked four goals in his first game this year. Julian Turner was the Roys’ best for the second time in three games and Corbin Stevic top-scored with three goals. The Pirates are still 10^th but on two wins alongside Old Carey, while the Roys are sixth and two games outside the four.

Ajax proved too strong for Parkdale Vultures as they ran out 43-point winners at Princes Park, Caulfield. The Jackas maintained an arm’s length lead at each of the first three breaks before piling on five goals to one in the fourth. Zachary Fleisher starred in a BOG performance for the Jackas and Jake Lew kicked four goals to back up his five from Round 9. Adam Knight stood out as the Vultures’ best and Charlie Dillon found the goals twice. The Jackas secured fourth spot by going two games clear of the Blues and Roys, while the Vultures sit eighth with three wins.

Old Scotch held on to defeat Old Carey by 12 points after leading the Panthers by 51 at half time, The Cardinals exploded from the blocks at Camberwell Sports Ground with 10 goals to three in the first half, before the Panthers fought back with nine of the last 11 goals. Conor O’Beirne received BOG honours for his impressive performance for the Cardinals, while Jono Daggian kicked three goals as he continues his impressive form. Andrew Sloan performed admirably for the Panthers while Sam Cust and George Curnow recorded three goals each.

St Bernard’s recorded their second win in a row as they defeated Mazenod by 34 points at the Snakepit. Leading by seven points at three quarter time, the Snow Dogs kicked six goals to two in the last as they asserted their dominance at important times. Luke Di Lizio was named best afield for the third-placed Snow Dogs, while Christopher Spinella and Jack McNamara kicked three each. Mazenod were impressive as they outscored the Snow Dogs in the first and third terms, with Stephen Welsford leading the charge. Bradley Kovac top-scored with three for the seventh-placed Nodders.