Is top four a formali-tee?

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead

Who wants fourth? That question has remained airborne for weeks, but we may have finally received an answer in Round 15.

Old Trinity, who has occupied fourth spot since Round 3 despite winning just four games since, solidified their position with a comprehensive 75-point victory over Old Brighton at the Beach Oval. Seb Nicolosi (5) and Harry Tinney (4) were taking turns applying scoreboard pressure and well and truly put their hand up for William Buck Premier Team of the Year selection alongside Woodrow Medal fancy, Anthony Scott. It was the first time this season the T’s had kicked over 100 points (149), with their average points heading into the round 71.6ppg. The T’s held onto fourth during a testing time for the club with player unavailability’s and now sit one and a half games ahead of Old Xaverians, De La Salle and Old Melburnians. The Tonners have now lost three of their past four games at home and by an average of 55 points. They did, however, claim wins at Elsternwick Park and Waverly Oval prior to this week’s game as they look to find consistency with many of their top tier players back in the line-up. Tom Yorgey’s three goals was a highlight as they continually produce young talent and because they are entrenched in the four, the Tonners will be using upcoming games against Collegians, St Kevin’s OB and Old Xaverians as the ideal preparation for a finals tilt.

De La Salle produced one of the standout team performances of 2018 when they defeated St Kevin’s OB by 81 points at Waverly Oval. The game was run and done in the opening term as De La pressured the ball carrier, caused turnovers and converted most of their opportunities in front of goal, taking a 48-point lead into the first break. The initial difference wasn’t the names on the ground but rather the intensity at the contest; a point Tom Williams made clear when addressing his chargers. Antony Forato was instrumental at giving his midfielders first use from stoppages, while Andrew and Lachlan Walker were standouts at both ends of the ground. The win caps off a strong month for the sixth-placed De La after wins against Scotch and OMs. Unfortunately, gun midfielder Hugh Nicholson will miss the remainder of the season with a broken wrist suffered in the second quarter. SKOB has now lost two of their past three but will be buoyed by the senior return of Stephen Gilham – a man whose importance in finals cannot be underestimated. After playing 12 games with Casey this season, Angus Scott represented SKOB for the first time, while Mitch Brown was their most influential player. The week off comes at a good time for SKOB as they approach the final three games with an influx of senior players expected post-bye.

Old Melburnians registered their most important win of the season when they defeated St Bedes/Mentone Tigers by 10 points at Elsternwick Park. Inaccuracy meant OMs couldn’t quite put the Tigers away in the third term (3.8), but they excelled defensively and were once again led by a best-on-ground performance from Josh Freezer. Former Richmond and current Port Melbourne player, Matt Arnot, was influential in just his second game for the year as OMs ended a five-game losing streak and went one game clear of relegation territory. While nothing is ever certain in William Buck Premier football, the Tigers would have entered this clash with their tails up after three wins from their past four and a strong showing against SKOB. Josh Cowan’s absence was evident as they lacked their usual polish. They finish the year against Blues, Scotch and De La, with two of those games at home.

Due to the tight-knit nature of the competition, Old Xaverians – like De La and Old Melburnians – are just one game above relegation but only one and half outside the four. Of those sides, Xavs are the form unit after their 14-point win against Uni Blues made it three from their past four. Dan Noonan was exceptional across half back for the second week in a row, while Tomi Johnston was named in the best for the ninth time this year. They face De La, Old Trinity and Old Brighton on the run home which gives them every chance of avoiding relegation and a slight opportunity to claim fourth. The loss was devastating for the Blues as they plummeted into eighth spot and just half a game above Scotch. They welcomed back Ross Young and Tim Geappen but will miss George Cameron after he suffered a season-ending neck injury against Collegians. Ayce Cordy continued his outstanding form against Jason Holmes in a battle of the ruck giants, but the team will need to improve against SBMT, OMs and Scotch after the bye.

Collegians are now one game clear atop the ladder after they defeated Old Scotch by 27 points at Camberwell Sports Ground. George Burbury officially returned to his Big V form with four goals and a BOG performance, while Will Johnson bagged five for the first time since Round 1 in a promising display from the injury-riddled star. Sam Hibbins and Campbell Walker kicked three each, with Walker’s emergence since making the move from the NEAFL a key contributor to the Lions’ success. They have a great run home in terms of warming up for finals, with games against Brighton, De La and Trinity. Scotch now fall back into ninth but just half a game behind Blues. The loss of Nick Jamieson would hurt any side but, as one of the top two on the Cardinals’ list, it will take the contribution of many to cover the star midfielder. Jack Bull continued his outstanding individual form as did Jack Hurley, while Dylan Gilbert tops-scored with three goals.