Wickers Weakened, Cobras continue winning streak

Sheridan Harris

VAFA footy finally returned this weekend, and with it, Division 3 Men’s reminded us of the very reasons we’re all so invested.

Elsternwick have had their winning streak cut short and have been knocked off their perch on top of the ladder, none other than by their fellow previously-Division-4 friends in South Melbourne Districts, while Parkside’s narrow loss to Hawthorn has seen them drop to sixth. 

All of this to say that the second half of the season provides every opportunity to change a very tight top 4, with a few teams knocking on the door and waiting for their chance to pounce. 

A seven-goal first quarter has seen Canterbury take the win against Emmaus St Leo’s by 54 points at Canterbury Sportsground. In a stark contrast to their last encounter, the Cobras were on the front foot from the get go, their quick ball movement no match for a lost-looking Animals side who had zero answers. John Nicolopoulos (5) once again starred in front of goal for the home side, while Jordan Dear (3), Thomas Lowden (3), Ryan Murray (2), and Nick Szabo (2) all got on the board too, but it was Mark Collins’ midfield prowess that sealed the deal in a best on performance. For Emmaus St Leo’s, Matt Hill (4) continued his goal kicking ways, and Nathan Bird (2) and Dan Hill (2) all rode shotgun. It was Jonathan Greensides (1) in his 100th game for the club who was named best on. 

South Melbourne Districts have evened out the ledger against Elsternwick and in the process pinched top spot on the ladder, winning by 42 points at Lindsay Hassett Oval. The Wickers appeared to be in all sorts for much of the game, not registering a major until the third term, but the spirited effort got them back within twelve points. It wasn’t to be though, as a five-goal final term from the Bloods sealed the deal. Julian Yeatman kicked all four of his side’s goals, while Richard Main took top honours. For South Melbourne Districts, the dynamic duo was at it again, with Leigh Sfetkidis (5) and Oliver Dufficy (4) sharing most of the goal kicking load, as Shaun Wilson was named best on. 

The rivalry only grows between Hawthorn and Parkside after the home side took home the win by six points at Rathmines Road Reserve. The Hawks bust out of the gates early to take a 24-point buffer into the first break, and the Red Devils kept coming but were never fully able to get on top. 8 individual goal kickers helped get Hawthorn over the line, with Willian Meehan (4), Justin Raiti (3), and Cooper Rule (2) doing most of the heavy lifting, but it was Charlie Boots who was named best on. For the losing side, both Jackson Hubbard and Simon Mackie kicked three majors each, while Samuel Gilfedder (2) and Benedict Douglas (2) rode shotgun, with the latter taking top honours as best on ground. 

A relatively low-scoring affair at Kevin Bartlett Reserve has seen Richmond Central get the W against North Brunswick by 26 points. The Snakes took the lead early and while it was never unassailable, the Bulls couldn’t get a look in, only managing two goals per half. Thomas Rivers kicked two goals for the home side and was the only multiple-goalscorer out of seven goal kickers, while Damien Holland was best on. For the Bulls, Ashley Rae, Patrick Notaro, Daniel Royal, and Dylan Ross all kicked one goal each, but it was Andrew Ramzy who took top honours. 

Emmaus St Leo’s will have their work cut out for them this weekend when they welcome Parkside to Bennettswood Reserve. Both sides are looking for redemptions after losses in round ten.

Holmes Todd Oval is the destination for the battle between Elsternwick and Canterbury. The Wickers are coming off their first loss of the season, while the Cobras’ hefty win in round ten sets them in good stead. 

Richmond Central and Hawthorn managed to get wins on the board in round ten, and as such both sides will be on the hunt to continue that form at Kevin Bartlett Reserve.

After two weeks off, the Westbourne Grammarians face a tough ask against South Melbourne Districts at Westbourne Grammar. The Bloods are seemingly peaking at just the right time and will be full of confidence after knocking off the ladder leaders in round ten. 

North Brunswick have the bye in round eleven.