Raiders enter four, Bullants look to stave off relegation

Old Paradians entered the top four for the first time in 2017 after they defeated Eltham Collegians by 10 points at Eltham College. The Raiders skipped out to a 25-point lead at the first break but were headed by the Turtles as they reduced the margin each quarter. However, they managed to hold on thanks in large to standout performances from Michael Boundy and James Kappos. Brent Gutterson kicked four goals for the Turtles who sit eighth on the ladder.

As such, Yarra Old Grammarians fell outside the top four and into fifth spot on the ladder following a valiant 27-point loss to Prahran Assumption. The Two Blues led by 42 points at the last break but allowed seven goals to four as they switched gears in the last. Trent Rogers kicked three goals in a BOG display for the Two Blues while Daniel Chamberlain booted four for the Bushrangers.

West Brunswick proved too strong for Glen Eira as they ran out 55-point winners at Ransford Oval. William Sadler starred in a BOG display for the second week in a row for the Westies and Rhys Hartwig top-scored with four goals, making it 16 from his past five games. Matthew Harriswas best afield for the Gryphons who remain ninth on the ladder and a game behind eighth.

Melbourne High School Old Boys proved too strong for Hawthorn AFC as they ran out 83-point winners at Rathmines Reserve. Kane Smith stole the show with eight goals for the Unicorns while James Tran ran riot in another BOG performance. William Meehan kicked three goals for the winless Hawks. The Unicorns are a game clear in third.

Bulleen Templestowe’s return to form continued as they registered their second consecutive win with a 10-point victory over Emmaus St Leo’s. Leading by 39 points at the last break, the Bullants were handed a scare when the Animals piled on five goals to one but managed to hold on in the dying stages. Nicholas Palumbo was best afield for the Bullants while Nathan and Paul Baranello led from the front for the Animals.