Is the top 4 locked and loaded in Division 1?

Old Camberwell continue to press their case and keep as close as they can to the top four however Oakleigh maintain a 2-game gap on the Wellers. 

PEGS, Glen Eira, and Kew are the other three sides taking residence in the top three and with the form line of these sides suggest the top four may already be locked and loaded with a month to go in the home and away season. 

Glen Eira have steadied their ship after losing before the bye. Prahran-Assumption threw everything at them in the opening half. 11-goals to two after half-time handed them a 65 point victory to stay within reach of Kew. Sitting one game behind but far greater percentage, it’s going to be a fascinating month for the Gryphons in pursuit of a top two finish. 

Prahran-Assumption heads back to Toorak Park for the next fortnight with games to come against Oakleigh and St Mary’s Salesian. Wins will keep them within striking distance of the top four. 

Old Camberwell have won three games in a row, four wins from their last five matches and staying in touch with Oakleigh, one slip-up by the Krushers and the Wellers will be ready to pounce. Their next fortnight pins them against the Gryphons and Oakleigh. It’ll be a mouthwatering contest in Round 15. 

For now, looking back at the weekend, after a goalless first quarter they took advantage of the wind at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve to take a lead at half time. And press on from there. Ben Hart has kicked goals in every game as part of last month, giving himself the confidence to mix it with the best. He’s on track to have his best output of goals for the season (currently 22, 2021 – 24).

The Lions were unable to capitalise and take advantage of conditions during the third term and after a terrific fortnight came back to earth with a thud. 

The top of the table clash was owned by PEGS and Jack Fenner who slammed home 7-goals as part of the 37 point win. The boys from Essendon have kicked a staggering 1238 points for the season, while only conceding 542 points. They’re a brick wall in defence with Kew having genuine trouble breaking through as the afternoon wore on. 

The loss ends a run of 9-straight victories for Kew. While they may see it as a blemish against the top side, it could leave them vulnerable for a double chance finish. 

Oakleigh had little trouble against St Mary’s Salesian, winning by 118 points to add a healthy 13% to their column in fourth spot. Aaron Cloke (10) produced double figures for the first time since Round 8 of 2019 (14 vs. Old Paradians). 56 goals for the season so far. With five games to go, is the 100 too far gone? 

The run home for Oakleigh pins them against Prahran-Assumption (6th), Old Camberwell (5th), Kew (2nd) and PEGS (1st). It’s a tough draw, but the Krushers are primed and ready to thrive against the heat they’ll come up against. 

The closest game of the round came at Whitefriars college with Whitefriars holding out Old Peninsula by 11 points. The margins at the breaks never got beyond a goal until the final siren with the Friars holding the lead at every change. 

Daniel Wood (4) took his tally to 46 goals for the year for the Friars, while George Fletcher kicked four in just his second senior game for the Pirates. The lost month has been tough for Old Peninsula with four consecutive losses. It’s a tough rough ahead this weekend when they face the ladder leaders PEGS but have a chance to set a cat amongst the pigeons if they’re able to come out on top.