Wickers still unbeaten as the ladder tightens up

Sheridan Harris

Division 3 Men’s is tightening up, and it couldn’t be more exciting for everyone involved. 

Whatever was in the water in Division 4 Men’s last year, it might be worth a few of the other teams doing some quick research, with both teams who were promoted this year to Division 3 on the fast track to immediate finals berths. Elsternwick are still yet to drop a game eight rounds into the season, while South Melbourne Districts remain in the top two after just one loss to the aforementioned Wickers. 

It continues to all come up roses for Elsternwick, whose unbeaten streak remains after taking down Hawthorn and coming away 42-point winners at Holmes Todd Oval. Consistent scoring over the four quarters kept the Wickers in front all day, but their seven-goal first term well and truly set the stage. With 30 points between the teams going into the main break, it was a tough ask for the Hawks, who appeared to be on the back foot for the better part of the day. Not even a bag from William Meehan (5), or a best-on performance from Hadrian Prest could help. For the winning side, Matt Ball (6) continued his form in front of goal to take top honours as best-on, while Julian Yeatman (4) and David Convery (2) rode shotgun in the forward line. 

Wayward kicking at Kevin Bartlett Reserve has seen Parkside run away 46-point winners against Richmond Central. It was a scrap from the beginning, but a 6.4 second quarter meant the Red Devils took a lead of 46 points into the main break, and the Snakes’ inability to get goals on the board continued into the second half. Matthew Holden, Shane Doherty, and Lewis Balcombe all kicked three goals each for the away side, while Jack Hamilton (1) topped the best players list. For Richmond Central, Dane Roy (3) and Jack Bilson (3) continued to perform for their side, and Dylan Curnow was best-on. 

South Melbourne Districts were a class above in a dour day for Emmaus St Leo’s, who went down by 15 points at Lindsay Hassett Oval. It was arm wrestle for the better part of the day, with both teams evenly matched. The Animals took the lead into the first and second breaks, before the Bloods put their foot down for the last half to get the four points. Matt Hill (3) stood tall for Emmaus St Leo’s in front of goal, with Jonathan Greensides, Dan Hill, Nathan Bird, and Sam Barrah rounding out the goalkickers, as Hugh Schaeche took top honours. For the home side, Oliver Dufficy (3) extended his lead on the divisional goalkicking tally and Jamie Brooker also kicked three. 

Life continues for the winless Westbourne Grammarians despite suffering another loss, this time at the hands of North Brunswick, who took to Westbourne Grammar and left 72-point winners. It was a tight tussle in the first half, with the Bulls only taking a 10-point lead into the main break, before they went full throttle, denying the Warriors any majors while kicking five of their own. Seven goals in the final term allowed North Brunswick to run over the top and get their third win of the season. The Bulls ended up with ten individual goalkickers, with Andrew Ramzy (3), Kali Dawborn (2), Aydan Marriner (2), and Jake Horwood (2) kicked multiples, while Marcus Watt (1) was named best-on. For the home side, Michael Szulc kicked two, and Jackson Brook topped the best players list. 

Parkside are one win outside the four, and will look to close the gap when they welcome South Melbourne Districts to Pitcher Park. It’s been an up and down year for the Red Devils and they’ll look to take a scalp in the middle part of the season. 

Allard Park is the destination for an out-of-sorts Hawthorn team, who take on North Brunswick. The Bulls are coming into the game off the back of a win and will look to continue that form. 

Elsternwick face their last challenge of the division, heading to Bennettswood Reserve to take on an Emmaus St Leo’s side keen on redemption after a less-than-ideal round eight. The Wickers have had the best start to both Division 3 Men’s and the year, and will look to go 8-0. 

It’s a trek across the city for Canterbury, who return from their bye and head to Westbourne Grammar to take on the struggling Westbourne Grammarians. The Warriors are yet to get a win on the board but face an exciting Cobras team sitting third on the ladder.

Richmond Central are the last of the Division 3 Men’s teams to have their bye, and go into it just in reach of the top four, sixth only on percentage.