Hawks rise in Division 3, Cobras face off

Hawthorn AFC’s rise up the ranks in Division 3 continued as they posted an emphatic 85-point victory over Aquinas at Aquinas College. Leading by one point at half time, the Hawks kicked into action with 15 goals to one in a dominant second half. 12 Hawks shared the spoils in front of goals but were led by Coady Travaglia and Richard Ogge who top-scored with three apiece. Justin Raiti continues to dominate the Divisions and was named best afield alongside a standout performance from Darcy Johnston. James Wright and Billy O’Loughlin were the best of the Bloods, but they now sit seventh on the ladder, a game and three spots below the Hawks in fourth.

Manningham Cobras inflicted Canterbury with their first loss of the year as they ran out 15-point winners at Koonung Reserve. Manningham trailed by five points at the half, but six goals to one in the third proved the difference as they took an unassailable 25-point lead into the last term.  Kane Maghamez booted five goals and took his season tally to 24 from five games, while Ayden Sukkel’s incredible form continued as he was named BOG. Mitchell Szabo kicked three goals for Canterbury and Sam Murphy was their best player for the second week in a row.

Richmond Central had few issues dealing with La Trobe University in their Round 5 clash at Parade Colelge, running out 112-point victors. 33 scoring shots to 16 painted a picture of the Snakes’ day out as they increased a 52-point half time lead with 14 goals to three in the second half. The Snakes had four players with three goals or more; including, BOG Damien Holland who booted three and continued his outstanding individual form. Steven Bugeja led all comers with four majors for the Snakes, while Sebastian Nelson and Josh Horder fought valiantly throughout the day for the embattled Trobers. The Snakes now surpass the Cobras and take up second spot on the ladder, while the Trobers remain 10^th following a tough start to the season.

Four unanswered goals in the final term helped Glen Eira keep their unbeaten run intact with a 12-point come-from-behind victory against Swinburne University at St James Park. Trailing by 16 points at three quarter time, the Gryphons hit the scoreboard eight times while keeping the Razorbacks scoreless in a tough fourth quarter. Stuart Carey, who has had an outstanding start to 2018, was best afield for the Gryphons while teammate Daniel Entwistle kicked four majors. Ben Higgins was instrumental to the Razorbacks’ impressive performance with four goals of his own as was Justin Trinne who found plenty of it. The Gryphons remain on top of the Division 3 ladder as the only unbeaten side, while the Razorbacks are eighth with two wins.

An accurate 20.8 helped Westbourne Grammarians claim their second win for the season, defeating Albert Park by 61 points at Westbourne School Ground. The Warriors were made to work as they trailed by nine points at half time but flicked the switch and booted 14 goals to three in the second half. Daniel Stoios and Charles Hunter were dominant for the Warriors, while Dale Seiler and Jack Amies led the charge for the Falcons’ impressive first-half performance. With two wins for the year, the Warriors sit sixth on the ladder and three spots above the winless Falcons.

Feature photo: Hawthorn AFC