Bloods end Wickers run, Razorbacks snatch one-point win

Zac Jennings

It’s now an even race at the top of the table in Division 4, as the ladder leaders suffered their first loss of the season, a top four hopeful put on a clinical display and a one-point thriller in an excellent Round 7 of football.

South Melbourne Districts ended Elsternwick’s rampaging unbeaten start to the season with a five-point victory at Holmes/Todd Oval. A fast-starting South Melbourne jumped out of the gates to hold a four-goal lead at the first break and headed into half time 20-points ahead. With their undefeated streak in jeopardy, the Wickers swung momentum their way in the third term, with only inaccuracy hampering the one-point lead they held heading into the fourth. However, the Bloods were not to be denied, rallying home in a tight final quarter to avenge their one-point loss from Round 1. Six majors from Oliver Dufficy backed up his haul of five for South Melbourne from last week, with Breshan Jones and Oscar Paulke leading the charge for the Swans. Matt Harvey was named best afield for Elsternwick whilst goal kicking sensation Matt Ball added three more to his impressive season tally.

South Melbourne will head back to Lindsay Hassett Oval to take on a much-improved Box Hill North outfit, while Elsternwick will be on the road to face an inform Swinburne University.

In another hotly contested match from Division 4 this week, Swinburne University came from behind to snatch a one-point victory over Box Hill North. Trailing by 21-points at half time, the Razorbacks booted eight second half goals to the Demons four, claiming their second win of the season on the back of some accuracy in front of the sticks. Tom Hartney and Chris Fisher were the standouts for Swinburne, with Nick McKenna the only multiple goal scorer, kicking three. Tom Cheslett kicked four goals for Box Hill North, with David Edwards named best afield for the Demons.

Swinburne University will face a tough test at home against a wounded Elsternwick next week, as will Box Hill North as they travel to face the red-hot South Melbourne Districts.

La Trobe University are back in the winner’s circle in a big way, with a thumping 89-point victory over fellow top four rivals St. Johns.  Holding a 45-point lead at half time, La Trobe restricted the JOC’s to just five behinds in the first half set up the big win, having now jumped St. Johns into third on the ladder. Five goals to Josh Horder and four to Tate Spiteri led the scoring for La Trobe, with Tyler Costa putting on a best on ground performance. Aaron Thornton was back in the goals for St. Johns this week, booting two, with Daniel Cattolico the standout for the JOC’s.

La Trobe will be looking to make it two in a row as they host Eley Park next week, while St. John’s will face rivals Masala-Dandenong at Lois Twohig Reserve.

Masala-Dandenong picked up win number two on the season, with a comfortable 40-point win over Eley Park. A dominant second half ensured victory for the Tigers, who kicked 10-goals to four after leading at half time by a solitary point. Declan Fowler again showcased his forward prowess with another bag of five for Masala, while Anthony Dorrington continued his good form, kicking four in a best on ground performance. Lachlan Millar and Jesiah McGarvie both kicked three goals for Eley Park, with Lachie Steele best afield for the Sharks.

Masala will take on close rivals St. Johns next week, while Eley Park will be on the road again, this time to face La Trobe University.