Wicks set fire, Trobers take-down Tigers

Alisha Min

Having only lost on one outing so far in 2019, Eley Park’s position in second place in Division 4 at present is wholly unsurprising, especially given their most recent 59-point victory over a fighting South Mornington outfit. Leading from start to finish, and outscoring the home side at almost every change of ends (barring the third quarter), the Sharks were gallantly led by Marcus Baxter, who snagged an incredible eight majors for the afternoon, Owen Raszkiewicz and Jaydn Pridmore in this important win away from home. For the defeated South Mornington, David Clarke and Lee Murdoch were recognised for their efforts in what was a tough loss which has seen them drop further down the ladder into eighth.

La Trobe University have another bout of premiership points to their name after Round 7 given their nail-biting two-point victory over Masala Dandenong at Fotheringham Reserve. A see-sawing affair in the first half, followed by an intense second half where only one-point distinguished the Trobers from the Tigers come 3QT, it was the visitors 2.1 final quarter which saw them emerge as victors. The impact of Bailey Zimmermann (5), Will Holmes (2) and Matthew Ogle could not be underestimated in this contest, as they led the way with their standout performances for La Trobe, while the Tigers’ Benjamin Abraham had a similar day to Zimmermann in front of the big sticks, booting five goals, and Brandon Kelly was awarded the BOG accolade.

Blowing their 71.5ppg average out of the water, Albert Park put on a clinical 166-point display at home over a battling Box Hill North. Though the Falcons took charge of this battle from the get-go, it was their “don’t argue” latter half, which saw them pile on 14.9 to Box Hill North’s 2.1, which really put the match outcome beyond any doubt. VAFA Media star, Joshua Beets, led Albert Park’s 12 individual goalkickers for the day after snagging five, while seven of his teammates also notched numerous 6-pointers. In a playing group filled with performers, Steven Hasselerharm was named best for the Falcons, closely followed by James Brick (2). Though premiership points are as elusive as ever for the Devils, the workrate of Benjamin Adams, Sean Buncle and James North was commendable in this clash. No doubt it will be back to the drawing board for the Box Hill outfit this week, as they look to shut off the floodgate which has allowed both Albert Park and St Francis Xavier to boot a combined 389 points against them over two consecutive weeks.

Another win to Elstenwick, this time over South Melbourne Districts by way of 40 points, has further cemented their spot in the thrust of finals contention (3^rd) as we approach the mid-point of season 2019. Where other sides in Division 4 seemingly took a quarter or two to ease their way into the contest, both the Wicks and Swans were off to an absolute flyer in the opening term as a combined 17.10 was kicked, with Elsternwick holding a slim two-point ascendancy approaching the first quarter huddle. After a scoreless second quarter from both sides, the Wickers showed why they are a premiership threat this year as they kicked away with 6.3 in the third, to eventually run out 40-point victors. For the winning Wicks, Nicholas Lowrie (6), Richard Main and BOG Lachlan Lloyd (1) were the highlight, while the Swan’s Vincenzo Armenia, Jamie Brooker (2) and Toby Parish (4) fought hard.