Thirds Sections 2-5 premiers crowned

Thirds Section 2

Four goals to one in the final term helped De La Salle to the Thirds Section 2 premiership, defeating Beaumaris by 19 points at Elsternwick Park. Trailing by six points at the last break and with momentum seemingly in the Sharks’ favour, De La dominated the fourth term with BOG Medallist Daniel Melissinos and Nick Fyfield leading the charge. Mark Collins kicked the go-ahead goal in the fourth term and continually provided a target late in the game. Matthew Grigoriou and Daniel Borys kicked two goals each for the Sharks after they earnt a spot in the decider via a strong second semi-final victory. The flag capped off an outstanding season for De La after they claimed the minor premiership with 14 wins from their 15 home & away games.

BOG Medal: Daniel Melissinos (De La Salle)

Thirds Section 3

St Bernard’s proved too strong for Old Carey in their Section 3 decider, running out 10-point winners at Coburg City Oval. After defeating the Panthers by 77 points in their second semi-final, it was a much tougher game for the Snow Dogs’ U23’s this time around, as they led by just three points at the half before kicking away with four goals to two in the third. Declan Kennedy starred for the Snow Dogs and was named best afield, while Austin Rizzardo booted three goals. Thomas Macready – Bryan was a standout up forward with four goals for the Panthers alongside Austin Smith who fought hard all day. The Snow Dogs continued their sensational form after notching the minor premiership, while the Panthers earnt their spot in the grand final with an 80-point win over Mazenod in last week’s preliminary final.

BOG Medal: Declan Kennedy (St Bernard’s)

Thirds Section 4

Hawthorn AFC produced the perfect season in Thirds Section 4, going through undefeated en route to yesterday’s 43-point grand final win against MHSOB at Box Hill City Oval. The Spartans kicked four unanswered goals in the opening half before booting six goals to three in the third and fourth terms. Angelo Lekkas did the damage on the scoreboard with a game-high three goals for the Spartans, while Nicholas Criticos was named BOG. James Scott and William Penhalluriack impressed for the Maroons after they worked their way into the grand final from third spot on the ladder. The win comes after the disbandment of the Club XVIII competition, where the Spartans went out in straight sets last season.

BOG Medal: Nick Criticos (Hawthorn AFC)

Thirds Section 5

Monash Blues claimed the 2018 Section 5 flag after they defeated Kew by 25 points at Bill Lawry Oval. The Blues trailed by two points at the first break but kicked away with four goals to one in the second and continued to apply scoreboard pressure through accurate kicking all day, finishing with 11.2 – 6.7. Two-time Club XVIII B&F winner Michael Chapman starred through the midfield and was named best afield, while his brother Shane found plenty of it. Justin Mazur dominated in front of goal with four majors. James Collie kicked three of his own for Kew alongside a standout performance from Joel Holewa.

BOG Medal: Michael Chapman (Monash Blues)