Swans bounce back, Bulls continue charge

South Melbourne Districts did their utmost to return to the top four after being displaced by South Mornington last week and defeated the Tigers by 10 points at Lindsay Hassett Oval. Trailing by 13 points at three quarter time, the Swans snapped their three-game losing streak with four goals to one in the final term. Zaron Smith was best afield for the Swans, while teammate Jesse Andrew top-scored with four majors. Robert Wilson also kicked four goals for the Tigers and Zac Kurts continued his dominant form as their best player. Despite the win, the Swans remain in fifth and just 5% below the Tigers.

North Brunswick’s reign at the top of the table continued with a 43-point victory over Eley Park Sharks at Whitehorse Reserve. The Bulls trailed by 13 points at the first break but kicked away to an unassailable lead with eight goals to two in the second term. Jake George booted six majors for the Bulls alongside three from Michael Salloum and a BOG display from Robert Santacroce. Jesiah McGarvie was a force up forward for the Sharks with his first five-goal haul since Round 4. The Sharks are just one game outside the four but more than 30% below the Tigers.

Parkside returned to the winners’ column via a 42-point win over Box Hill North at Pitcher Park. With scores tied at 16-16 after a low-scoring first half, the Red Devils kicked away with six goals to one in the second half; including, four unanswered in the final term. Cameron McFadyen (BOG), Isaac Romano, Matthew Soligo and Luciano Logozzo kicked two each for the inaccurate Red Devils as the team piled on 19 behinds alongside their eight majors. Eugene Charles was the only multiple goal scorer for the Demons and Eamon Stewart was their best for the second week in a row.

St Francis Xavier continued to regain form ahead of finals with their second win in a row, defeating Mt Lilydale by 38 points at Mt Lilydale Mercy College. Eight goals to two in the opening term set the scene for the X-Men before the game evened out with five goals apiece in the remaining three quarters. Nathan Ramea and Christopher Molnar kicked four goals each for the X-Men, while Shane Woolley continued his outstanding individual form. The X-Men are third on the ladder and have the second-highest percentage with 196.09%. No results had been submitted for Mt Lilydale at time of publication.

Elsternwick bounced back from last week’s loss to St Francis Xavier with a commanding victory over Masala at Elsternwick Park. Thomas Dunne had a day out for the Wickers with 10 majors in just his third game for the season. Justin Hunter was the next best with three, while Michael Pradolin and Dylan Cohen were standouts across the ground. Once again, no results had been submitted for Masala at time of publication.