Trobers battle hard vs Cobras, Hawks fly back into form

Five goals to three in the fourth quarter helped Aquinas to an 18-point victory over Manningham Cobras at Aquinas College. The Bloods led by just five points at three quarter time after leading by as much as 25 at the half, before regaining control in the final term. James Wright starred in a BOG performance, while Ash Naulty, Billy O’Loughlin and Jacob Burdett each kicked three goals for the Bloods. Michael Muller was a standout for the Cobras with four goals as they suffered their second loss for the season and fell to fifth spot on the ladder, one below the Bloods.

Canterbury were made to fight hard to maintain their unbeaten run as they defeated La Trobe University by nine points at Canterbury Sports Ground. Leading by 22 points at the final break, the Cobras managed just one more goal while the Trobers kicked three. Guy Driscoll and Jake Rowe top-scored with three goals each for the Cobras while Sam Murphy chipped in with one and was named best afield. Liam McClintock booted four in an outstanding performance for the Trobers while Tom Mooney was their most impressive player. It was a much-improved effort from Alan Ezard’s men, but they remain winless in 10^th spot on the ladder.

Swinburne University caused an upset as they defeated the previously unbeaten Richmond Central by three goals at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. The Razorbacks led by 11 points at three quarter time after taking a lead into every break and finished it off with another two goals to one in a low-scoring affair. Justin Little was named BOG for his outstanding display for the Razorbacks alongside three goals from Aaron Lynn and Will Joyce. Tom Foot was once again impressive for the Snakes as they sit third with a 3-1 record. The Razorbacks climb to seventh on the back of their second win for the year.

Glen Eira maintained their dominance at the top of the Division 3 table with a 51-point victory over Westbourne Grammarians at Packer Reserve. Leading by 16 points at the first break, the game was ultimately decided in the second when the Gryphons piled on seven goals to three. They had twice as many scoring shots (42-21) but struggled for accuracy with 20 behinds in the opening half. Former Maffra Eagle Brent Connelly kicked his second bag of five from three matches, while Daniel Petsinis was named their best player. Ali Eqbal kicked three goals for the Warriors and Paul Hudson impressed. The Warriors are still on one win for the season but have a healthy percentage of 103.85% in eighth.

Eight goals in the third term helped Hawthorn AFC snap their two-game losing streak as they defeated Albert Park by 70 points at Rathmines Reserve. Aaron Downie dominated from start to finish and kicked six goals in a BOG display, while Richard Ogge bagged five for the Hawks. They had myriad contributors across the ground as they pieced together their most complete performance of 2018. Ben May was best for the Falcons and Nick Hornstein kicked three goals as they slumped to their fourth loss of the year where they sit ninth on the ladder.