Monders outrun Friars, Bullants bounce back against Bombers

St Mary’s Salesian reclaimed top spot on the Division 1 ladder after they defeated Brunswick NOBSPC by 23 points at Alec Gillon Oval. A six-goal haul from Michael Dolan led the charge for the Saints, who had standout performances from Alexander Bussell and D’Arcy Grant. Geremie Ganino was the sole multiple goal scorer for the NOBS and Danny King continued his outstanding form, but they sit eighth and still just one win ahead of the relegation zone.

Ivanhoe proved far too strong for St John’s as they ran out 66-point winners at Ivanhoe Park. Leading by just seven points at three quarter time, the Magpies exploded for 12 goals in the last quarter while allowing just three at the other end. Mitchell Lovell (6) and Reuben Blackmore-Moore (5) combined for 11 of the Magpies’ 21 goals, while Nathan Valkanis starred in a BOG display. Aaron Thornton top-scored with three goals for the JOCs, as they remain in ninth position on the ladder with three wins.

Oakleigh continued their push for a finals berth as they defeated Therry Penola by 38 points at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. Trailing by 13 points at half time, the Krushers kicked 12 goals to four in the final two terms with Trevor Bromley leading the charge on the scoreboard with four goals. The Krushers had six players kick multiples throughout the day and Tim Scott was named best afield.  Jacob Gough and Matthew Lyons were outstanding for the Lions and played a leading role in their dominant first half. Oakleigh are one game outside the four, while the Lions are one game and 13% above the relegation zone.

Preston Bullants returned to the winners’ column after last week’s shock loss to Brunswick NOBSPC, defeating PEGS by 30 points at Ruthven Reserve. Six goals to one in the first term set up the win for the Bullants as they refused to allow the Bombers back into the match. Mark Cigagna (5) and Christian Useinov (4) kicked nine of the Bullants’ 15 goals, while Andrew Khallouf stood out for the Bombers. The Bullants secured fourth spot on the ladder but the Bombers fell to second following the Saint’s win over NOBS.

Ormond secured third spot on the Division 1 ladder when they defeated Whitefriars by 30 points at Whitefriars College. The Monders led by four points at the main break but kicked 12 goals to eight as they claimed the ascendancy in the second half. Isaiah Tahana and Matthew Hine kicked four goals each for the Monders and Thomas Buckley was irrepressible as BOG. Nicholas Mercuri impressed for the Friars as their best player and Hewitt Murray top-scored with three goals. The Monders sit third but boast the highest percentage in the competition while the Friars are 10^th with one win.