The power-hitters look to assert themselves whilst surprise packages still arise

Mitch Dyer

It was an interesting weekend as our top 4 contenders looked to put a stamp of authority on their 2022 campaigns. A round combined with the closest of margins, mixed with a bag of goals that catapulted the leading goal scorer into a league of his own. 

It was a hot start for the Wellers in the throwdown between the struggling Old Camberwell against Old Peninsula. Their past few weeks have indicated that getting behind the scoreboard from the jump isn’t the way to win football games, and kicking things off with a commanding first quarter put them in a position to run away eventual 114 point winners from the Pirates. 

Key performances from Sam Murphy and Lachie Powell in front of goal gave this team much needed confidence and a percentage boost heading through the middle part of the season.

The most prolific goal kicker in the VAFA is a member of the Krushers line-up. Oakleigh faced off against the tough and tenacious St Marys Salesian. Coming off the past two weeks of five goals and a 9-goal haul, it’s hard to see the momentum of Cloke and Oakleigh slowing down any time soon, Cloke added another seven majors to his tally. He led his side to a mighty victory. Oakleigh were the dark horses of the competition coming into the season, and they’re beginning to show they are more than just a one trick pony, they are a force to be reckoned with. 

Glen Eira took on the task of dismantling a rough and tough side in Therry Penola who have proved they are far better than their lowly spot on the table suggests. The game became an absolute corker, with only a matter of points separating the teams coming into the final quarter. 

With the theme of gut running and defensive pressure becoming crucial in the closing stages, the Gryphons were able to hold onto the win and collect a really important 4 points at this stage of the season.  For Therry Penola, this is a great confidence boost and a much needed step forward in terms of who they can not only compete against, but even defeat. 

In terms of close finishes, it doesn’t get any closer than the game out at PEGS Oval between the ladder leaders PEGS who had to stave off the most gallant of performances from Prahran Assumption. The game wouldn’t stretch further apart than a few majors as the boys from Airport West were put to the test. 

An 11-point three quarter time lead disappeared quickly in the final term, and it took until the final kick of the day for PEGS to win after the siren. This was truly the highlight of the round and shows that Prahran-Assumption are a team that if you get caught sleeping you may never wake up, capable and ready to steal the 4 points at any given time. 

Kew and Whitefriars played off in a contest that was closer than I anticipated, with a second half display of dominance the reason for the victory in the end. Whitefriars are a side that can compete but for whatever reason in 2022 haven’t been able to put it together consistently. 

The first half saw them put it to the men from the East as they sat 1-point behind leading into the half. After some words of inspiration in the half-time break it awoke the sleeping giant in Kew and they were able to run away with the 4 points and win by 3 majors, a massive victory in the context of their season and puts them well within that top 4.