Swans salute in nail-biter, JOCs return in style

Zac Jennings

Melbourne’s wet weather welcomed back suburban football, as Division 4 kicked off its season with an absolute nail-biter at Lindsey Hassett Oval.

In a tightly contested affair from the opening bounce, Elsternwick ultimately prevailed over South Melbourne Districts – 52 -51.

Trailing at half time by four points, the Wickers edged their way in front at the last change, managing to hold on by the slimmest of margins to kick off 2021 with a notch in the win column.

Ben Reese led the way for Elsternwick and was supported by Justin Hall and Jacob McGaw, while Nick Lowrie booted four goals.

Jamie Brooker kicked three for the Bloods.

St. Johns returned to divisional football in style with an emphatic win over Masala-Dandenong which sees them atop the Division 4 ladder after round 1.

Led by forward Aaron Thornton’s six goals in his first game back in the black and green, St. Johns piled on 13 second half goals to run out 86-point winners.

Liam Scott was judged best afield for the JOC’s, with multiple goalkickers Nick Terrill and Andrew Daly also amongst the best.

Masala’s Declan Fowler was the only multiple goal kicker for the Tigers, booting three.

Eight unanswered goals from Eley Park kicked off their 2021 campaign with a convincing victory over Box Hill North.

Keeping the Demons goalless up till three quarter time, the Sharks eventually cruised to a 32-point victory at Elgar Park.  

Eley Park’s Jesiah McGarvie and recruit Justin Cuzzupi kicked two goals apiece, while Matt Knox and Ben Field led the charge for the Sharks.

Box Hill North recruit Peter Cassidy-Marsh was best afield in his first game for the Demons against his former team.  

A nine goal to five second half saw La Trobe University run away 40-point winners in the Uni-Bowl over Swinburne University.

After a slowish start to the contest from both teams, the scoring rate increasingly picked up as the game progressed turning into a fairly high scoring contest, finishing 105-65.

Riley Alexander kicked four goals in the win for La Trobe, with Josh Rogerson and Callum Randell also booting multiples. Calvin Ross claimed best on ground for La Trobe.

David Rinaldo was best afield for the Razorbacks, with Declan Watts, Mitch Walker and Kieran Herbert all kicking two goals.