Krushers book finals spot, NOBS avoid relegation

Oakleigh earnt a Division 1 finals berth on the back of a 61-point win against Ivanhoe at Scammell Reserve. The Krushers shot out of the blocks and held a 25-point lead at the half time break before exploding for 13 of the last 20 goals across the final two terms. Aaron Cloke was unstoppable up forward for the Krushers as he kicked eight goals alongside a BOG performance and three majors from Tim Scott. Reuben Blackmore-Moore continued his outstanding form as the best Magpie on the ground.

Ormond ended Preston’s run toward finals with a 31-point come-from-behind victory at EE Gunn Reserve. Trailing by 14 points at the main break, the Monders kicked 11 goals to four in the second half with Henry Simon leading the way as he continued his strong recent form with a BOG display. Thomas Buckley top-scored for the Monders with three goals while Oliver Lang mirrored his output with three of his own for the Bullants. The Bullants lost three or their last four games to fall outside the four and miss finals for the first time since entering the VAFA senior section in 2013. Ormond finished the season in second spot and will enter finals with the double chance.

Brunswick NOBSPC staved off relegation in the final round for the second year in a row, defeating St John’s by four points at Thomas Carroll Reserve. The NOBS led by 22 points at the half time break but the JOCs came hard with six goals to three in a tight second half. Matthew Shannon and Dominic Sullivan starred in front of goal with four each for the NOBS, while Aaron Thornton top-scored with six for the JOCs. The JOCs will return to Division 2 in 2016 on the back of three wins for the year.

PEGS claimed an important morale-boosting seven-point victory over the ladder leading St Mary’s Salesian at Ferndale Park. Leading by just two points at three quarter time, both sides nailed five goals each in an enthralling final term but the Bombers edged past with seven behinds to two. James Lenhart was outstanding again for the Bombers and named best afield, while Trent Skurrie (six) and Adrian Romanyk (four) kicked two thirds of their goals. Daniel Ryan nailed five for the Saints and Heath Chipperfield impressed.

Therry Penola ended their season on a high after they proved too strong for Whitefriars, running out 38-point victors at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. Leading by 44 points at half time, the Lions were stunned as the Friars piled on six goals to one and came within seven points at the last break. However, the Lions hit back with seven goals to two in the final term as Corey Bannister added to his tally and finished with six goals. Matthew Lyons was BOG for the second consecutive week for the Lions, while Callum Thorburn impressed for the Friars. The Friars will now go down to Division 2 in 2018.