Tigers upset X-Men, Swans return to form against Rams

South Mornington recorded their most important win for the season, defeating the highly-fancied St Francis Xavier by 34 points at Ferrero Reserve. The Tigers led by eight points at three quarter time but piled on five goals to one in a dominant final term. Sage Opitz and Zac Kurts were standouts for the Tigers while Travis French booted four goals and took his season tally to 52 from 11 games. Shane Woolley was one of four players to kick two goals for the X-Men and he was also named their best player. The win keeps the Tigers’ finals chances alive as they sit two games outside the four in fifth spot, while the X-Men fall from second into third.

Parkside moved into second spot on the Division 4 ladder following their sixth consecutive win, this week defeating Eley Park Sharks by 77 points at Whitehorse Reserve. 34 scoring shots to 12 paints a picture of the Red Devils strong display as they piled on 14 goals to five after quarter time. Sam Gilfedder was unstoppable in front of goal and finished the day with seven majors, while Isaac Romano continued his outstanding season. Daniel Edwards and Jarrod Newton were the best of the Sharks as they remain on six wins and fall to sixth spot below the Tigers.

Elsternwick proved far too strong for Box Hill North in their Round 12 clash at Elsternwick Park, running out 110-point winners. Justin Hunter (7), David Grace (6) and Julian Yeatman (5) each enjoyed the spoils of a dominant midfield display with 18 of their side’s 27 goals, while Lachlan Lloyd kicked three and was named best afield. Dean Templeton and Sean Donovan were impressive for the Demons, but they now fall a game behind the Wickers in ninth spot on the ladder.

South Melbourne Districts returned to form with a strong 39-point victory over Mt Lilydale at Lindsay Hassett Oval. Leading by 15 points at quarter time, the Swans took control and kicked nine of the next 15 goals. Steve Clarke kicked two goals and was named the Swans best player for the fourth time in eight games, while teammates Aidan Rawlings and Jordan Heis top-scored with three goals each. Dion Paull and Timothy Legg fought hard for the Rams as they suffered their seventh loss just one week after taking down the previously undefeated Bulls. The Swans are two games clear in fourth.

Nine goals to one in the opening term led North Brunswick to a strong 128-point victory over Masala at Allard Park. Daniel Orr, Brendon George and Jake George kicked four goals each for the Bulls as they returned to form following last week’s loss to the Rams. Brendan Derbyshire was best afield, and Max Coutts was once again impressive. No results had been submitted for Masala at the time of publication.