Swinburne, Livingstone feast on Falcons, Cobras jump into 3rd

Manningham Cobras launched into third spot on the Division 3 ladder with a 56-point victory over Hawthorn AFC at Koonung Reserve. The upset result was built on the back of nine goals to five in the first term before the Cobras kicked away again with 11 goals to six thereafter. Ben Arnold (4) and Kane Maghamez (4) starred in front of goal for the Cobras, while Steven Wintle booted five of the Hawks’ 11 majors. The Hawks remain second on the ladder and two games ahead of the chasing pack.

Westbourne Grammarians bounced back from last week’s surprise loss to Aquinas with a much-needed 21-point win over Canterbury at Westbourne Grammar. Trailing by five points at three quarter time, the Warriors came home with five goals to one in a dominant final term. Agon Bahtiri top-scored with three goals alongside standout performances from Tim Rogers and Jacob Russell. Ryan Murray’s strong form in front of goal continued for the Cobras as he kicked three. Canterbury now fall into sixth spot on the ladder and a game behind Manningham, Westbourne and Swinburne.

Aquinas continued their recent strong form with a dominant 85-point victory over Richmond Central at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. The Snakes were left goalless in the first and third terms against the wind, while the Bloods piled on goals and increased their lead at each break. Billy O’Loughlin and Jake Cawsey bagged five goals each for the Bloods, while Tyson Noyes was named best afield. Luke James fought hard for the Snakes as they fall to 6-9 and three games outside the four.

Swinburne Uni improved to fifth spot on the ladder after they defeated Albert Park by 61 points on the back of a Riley Livingstone masterclass in front of goal. Livingstone, who was 30 goals for the season prior to the match, booted 13 of Swinburne’s 17 majors in one of the most dominant individual performances of the season. Ben Higgins booted the remaining four, making it two goal kickers for the day. Daniel Close was exceptional around the ground for Swinburne, while James Faulkner (2) and Nicholas Materia led the charge for the Falcons.

53 scoring shots to six helped Glen Eira to a 177-point victory over La Trobe University at Barling Reserve. The goal kickers were aplenty for the Gryphons, with Alex Erwin-Ross (6), Lachlan Pound (5), Brent Connelly (4) and Tim Dobson (4) the main recipients in front of goal. Grant Dowler kicked two goals for the Trobers and Thomas Mooney continued his outstanding individual form.