Wins aplenty for those at the top

Sheridan Harris

There are three games left of Division 3 Men’s, and the cream is still rising to the top, if the cream is the top three on the ladder right now as South Melbourne Districts, Canterbury and Elsternwick continue to assert their dominance. 

The coveted fourth spot continues to allude many of our teams with a couple of them appearing to hit their straps at this late stage of the year. 

A rather competitive Westbourne Grammarians side went down to North Brunswick at Allard Park by 44 points. Never really in it but never really out of it, the Warriors stood up tall, despite being down by 41 points going into the main break, before limiting their opponents to just three goals for the rest of the match. The Bulls were never without opportunity though, with a total of 28 scoring shots, and eleven of those, goals. For the home side, Joseph Flynn (5) and Jake Horwood (3) were the stars in the forward line, with the latter taking top honours. Justin Porter (2), Brett Connors (2), and Jordan Doyle kicked the only goals for the Westbourne Grammarians, but it was Nguyen Dang who was best on ground.

Seven individual goalkickers have seen Canterbury share the load beat Hawthorn by 33 points at Canterbury Sportsground. The first half was arm wrestle despite the Cobras holding onto the lead for all of it, with the Hawks giving themselves every opportunity to get the win to be only down by 16 points at the main break. Nine goals to seven in the second half ended up being the difference. Thomas Lowden (4), James Boarotto (3), Jordan Dear (3), Troy Smith (2), and Nicky McMahon (2) were Canterbury’s best in front of goal, but it was Michael Topp (1) back to his best-on-ground ways. For the losing side, William Meehan (4), Justin Raiti (3), Luke Piccolo (2), and Charlie Lee (2) were their goalkickers, and Cameron Allum took top honours.  

Elsternwick have continued their winning ways, downing Richmond Central by 45 points in Holmes Todd Oval. The Snakes were competitive all day but a six-goal first term to the Wickers set the scene to ultimately keep their noses in front. Missing opportunities in front of goal was the order for the day unfortunately for Richmond Central. Daniel Marchese (5), Nicholas Materia (2), Nicholas Lowrie (2), and Jacob McGaw (2) were Elsternwick’s multiple-goalkickers, with the former justifiably taking top honours. For the away side, Jack Bilson kicked two, and Dane Roy (1) was their best player. 

South Melbourne Districts have escaped what would have been a bitter loss, after leaving Bennettswood Reserve 13-point winners against Emmaus St Leo’s. It was mostly an Animals day all game, kicking five goals in the first term before going into the main break 17 points up, and limiting their opponents to just three goals for the half. A 19-point buffer at the beginning of the final quarter didn’t deter the Bloods though, who piled on five goals to zero to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Matt Hill (2) and Jonathan Greensides (2) were the only multiple-goalkickers for Emmaus St Leo’s, but stalwart backman Joden Crothers (1) got on the board in his 100th game for the club. Hugh Schaeche (1) was best on. For the winning side, Oliver Dufficy kicked five and Jason Clifford two, with the latter taking top honours. 

Emmaus St Leo’s head to Kevin Bartlett Reserve to take on Richmond Central. Both teams lost in round fifteen and will no doubt be thinking of this game as an incredible opportunity to get back on the winner’s list. 

Parkside return from their bye and take on a thriving South Melbourne Districts at Lindsay Hassett Oval. After a scare in their last game, the Bloods will want to win well against a side arguably peaking at the right time.

Rathmines Road Reserve is the destination for North Brunswick, who will travel away to face Hawthorn. The Hawks are another side hitting their straps and it will make for interesting viewing. 

The Westbourne Grammarians face a tough ask as they welcome Elsternwick to Westbourne Grammar. A valiant effort in their last game will set up the Warriors to hopefully continue that. 

Canterbury have their second bye of the year, and go into it in really good form.