Lions topple Rovers as Bears edge clear of relegation territory

Therry Penola put last week’s loss to Prahran Assumption behind them as they came out and defeated Hampton Rovers by 39 points at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. Trailing by one point at quarter time, the Lions piled on 11 goals to four in a dominant second half. Jarrod Bannister was at his best with six goals for the Lions taking his season tally to 44 from seven games. Liam Flanagan was named best afield, while Justin Crotty and Jordan Bannister booted three each. Josh Broadley continued his magnificent form for the Rovers and was named their best player alongside a team-high three goals from Anthony Folino. The win leaves the Lions a game clear of Oakleigh in fourth spot, while the Rovers fall into second behind Ormond.

Brunswick fell agonisingly short in their Round 12 match up with Oakleigh as the Krushers held on for a three-point win at Alec Gillon Oval. Oakleigh held a 15-point lead at three quarter time and felt the pressure as NOBS came home with five goals to three in a thrilling final term. Just three players hit the scoreboard for the Krushers, with Tim Scott (5), Aaron Cloke (5) and Jarod Azoor (2) combining for the team’s 12 goals. Andrew Murray was named BOG for the Krushers, while Darcy Heenan and Nick Burgin excelled for NOBS. The loss means the ninth-placed NOBS are now three games behind Kew in eighth. Oakleigh remain one win outside the four in fifth spot.

Ormond claimed top spot on the Division 1 ladder via a 35-point victory over West Brunswick at Ransford Oval. The Monders trailed by 13 points at the first break after the Westies came out firing but clawed their way back into the lead with six goals to two in the second term. A further eight goals to five in the second half solidified the win for the Monders. Chris Coghlan and Luke Gogis led from the front for the Monders, while Jethro Calma-Holt continued his elite form in front of goal for the Westies with four of their 10. The Westies are two games outside the four with six wins for the year.

Kew went three games clear of relegation territory as they defeated Ivanhoe by 43 points at Victoria Park. The Bears led by just nine points at three quarter time but ran the game out with six unanswered goals in the fourth. Nathan Sambevski, Blake Goodwin and Jeremy Hannan each kicked three goals for the Bears, while Nathan Drummond continued his excellent individual form with a BOG performance. Bill Jackson was the Magpies’ best for the second time in three games alongside strong performances from Conor Mitchell and Max Post. The Magpies have found it difficult so far in 2018 as they continue their search for their first win.

Preston Bullants retained third spot on the ladder with a hard-fought 15-point win over Prahran Assumption at Ruthven Reserve. The two sides were never separated by more than three points at any break throughout the game until the Bullants finished off with five goals to three in the final term. Alex Ricco and Oliver Lang were outstanding for the Bullants, as was Jackson Curic with four goals. Trent Rogers and Dan Freeman were the best of the Two Blues who are now two games outside the four in sixth spot.