JOCs avoid relegation as Animals go down

Anna Pavlou – @Annalyst_Sports

It was an eventful 2018 home and away season with many highs and many lows for all sides, but all in all, every side in D2 should be proud of themselves for each week fronting and fielding teams to compete. And while the finals are imminent and the top four are buzzing, let’s not forget that we are part of this football community for the love of the game too.

Melbourne’s weather put on a show as it produced a mix of the four seasons to finish of the 2018 home and away season. But the weather wasn’t the only talking point, as St Johns have prevailed and saved themselves from the dreaded relegation. Emmaus St Leos on the other hand, must wave goodbye to Division 2 as they drop down to Division 3.

St Johns vs Emmaus St Leos

St Johns were ecstatic after holding off a fighting Emmaus St Leos side, to take a 23-point win and secure their Division 2 spot for 2019. Emmaus now are the second side who are bowing out of D2 with Eltham and will face the tough competition of D3 next season. The Jocs got off to the perfect start booting four unanswered goals and utilising the wind to get on top of the Animals. The Animals were held scoreless in the first term and only managed three goals to half time. Bullant Tim Edwards led with four goals as the Animals forced a late last quarter surge, kicking four goals to one, but it was too late to make up for the damage of no score in the first term. St Johns had a tough season but held on when it mattered most and should be able to build on this base to compete next year. Emmaus St Leos are obviously devastated to be relegated but had a strong season with some great battles and a few glorious after the siren wins, but it simply wasn’t enough to keep them alive in Division 2. They’ll need to regroup and fight back next season.

UHS-VU vs Power House

The old rivals were clashing again, but this time it was a tail of two different stories. UHS-VU defeated Power House by 88 points on their way to the Division 2 finals and the chance to be promoted into Division 1. The Vultures used to wind to pile on five goals and hold the House goalless in the first quarter and didn’t stop there as they allowed tow House goals up to half time. It was an onslaught from there as Uni High, led by Brandon Jackson’s nine majors, kicked 10 more goals and the House were held to only three more. Power House take this season as a building block as they kept themselves alive in what is a very tight competition. UHS-VU now have the double chance to make the jump to Division 1.

Old Paradians vs Eltham Collegians

As Eltham Collegians bow out of Division 2 after a hard year, they go down to Old Paradians by 105 points. The Raiders take this game as a booster for their upcoming finals run as they attempt to make their way up into Division 1 in 2019. Holding the Turtles scoreless in the first term, the Raiders booted five goals. This work ethic continued as by three quarter time, the Raiders had kicked nine more goals. Tim Woods was the shining light for the turtles with two goals, while Old Paradians had 12 major goal kickers. Eltham should be congratulated for fielding a team every single week despite the possible threat of folding. Their one win of 2018 proved that good things come to teams who put in the hard work. Best of luck next season. The Raiders have bounced back after losing top spot and are excited for the finals and what they can do. With key forward Michael Boundy still out injured, it will be interesting to see who they rely on to take on the best.

MHSOB vs Yarra Old Grammarians

A rough and tumble all day went the way of Yarra Old Grammarians as they defeated MHSOB by a mere 3 points. MHSOB tested too late and failed to utilise the weather conditions in the first half which would have given them a better chance at taking the points. It was a very low scoring first half as both sides managed only eight goals between them, as the rain slowed the game down and kept the ball from moving far. But, while MHSOB led by 15 at half time, the Bushrangers’ nine goal-to-one third quarter out the back in contention. The game swung again in the final term, but it was too little too late as Yarra held off for their 14th win of 2018. The Rangers go into the finals after a fast finish to 2018 and on a dry day, can kill their opposition in front of goals. The Unicorns contrarily were in the box seat to take fourth spot until their downfall mid-season where they couldn’t notch up enough wins to finish what they started.

Bulleen Templestowe vs Whitefriars

Whitefriars have steadied themselves ahead of the finals with a 56-point win over Bulleen Templestowe, who are saved from relegation. Bullen did not score in the first quarter and were held to only three goals up to half time. The Friars piled on 12 majors to three quarter time and sealed the game with five more majors in the last quarter, to set them up for a meet next week with Yarra old Grammarians. Whitefriars had a string 2018 but failed to stay in the top two. Bulleen Templestowe battled their way through on the other hand and will learn from this year and be a force in 2019.