Swinburne wins big as La Trobe and St John’s also impress

Billy Bolch

Swinburne took on Masala in a finals preview for Division Four. Both teams got off to slow starts however it was the Tigers that got off to the slightly better start. Down by 3 points at the first break the Razorbacks needed a strong quarter to get back momentum back on their side. Swinburne was able to do so, kicking five goals in the second term, going into half-time with a 6-point lead. 

While both teams were unable to fully capitalise on scoring opportunities in the third, it was Swinburne extending their lead out to 25 points at the final change. Despite Masala having a slight 3-goal to 2 edge against the Razorbacks in the last quarter, the Tigers couldn’t take the game back. When the siren sounded it was the Razorbacks that took an important 20-point win, setting themselves up for a great chance at securing the double-chance. 

Trent Ryan, Aidan Vesty and Zachary Lassey were among the best for the Razorbacks. The best for Masala included Buom Koang, Brandon Kelly and Tom Williamson. Aidan Vesty (4), and Trent Ryan (3) led up forward for Swinburne with other contributors including Tyson Weigold (2) and Luke Mcmanus (2). 

Swinburne will finish up their home and away season in a clash against Box Hill North away. Masala will have the bye in round 18 before they face either Swinburne or St Johns in an elimination final. 

La Trobe did what they had to do against Box Hill North. A blistering 7-goal opening quarter whilst only allowing a single point from the Demons. La Trobe was able to take their game to another level in the second quarter adding 9 goals and extending their lead out to 108 points. Unfortunately, like games affected in other divisions, the match was called off at halftime due to lightning. 

The best for La Trobe were Samuel Benetti-Baker, Riley Alexander and Riley Keath. The best for the Demons included defence duo Rowan Lawrence and Thomas Rickard and midfielder David Edwards. La Trobes’ Riley Alexander made his way back to the (equal) top of the league goalkicking with 4 majors. Other goalkickers for the Trobers include Tate Spiteri (3) and Riley Keath (2).

La Trobe will now make the journey to Dandenong to take on St Johns, the only team they haven’t defeated this season. Box Hill North will meet Swinburne in a tough fixture to complete the Demons’ season.

The final match of the round saw Eley Park take on St Johns in an important match for both sides. It was the JOCs that were able to get off to the better start taking an 11-point lead over the Sharks into quarter time. Eley Park found their way back into the game kicking 5 goals during the second term, however, the JOCs had all the answers kicking 4 goals of their own to maintain a 3-point lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw an equally tight tussle  as both sides traded goals, it was St Johns that took a 7-point lead into the final quarter. Needing to make an impact in the last 25 minutes to try to secure a double-chance, the JOCs dominated the final quarter adding 5 goals to their final tally whilst only allowing 1 goal from the Sharks. The JOCs took home the win by 34 points. 

Ben Field was the best on ground for the Sharks with Shannon Blewitt and Jacob Baddock also having great games. Brendan Ash, Benjamin Ayache and Nicholas Terrill were the best players for the JOCs. Ben Field kicked 4 goals for the Sharks, Tom Johnston (3) and Alex Penkethman (2) were other contributors for the Sharks. The JOCs had 8 goalkickers with Benjamin Ayache, Jason Naffa and Michael Horton all kicking 3 goals. 

Eley Park will now make the trip down to Albert Park where they will look to cap off their season in victory. St Johns will host La Trobe, a good match-up for the JOCs to see where they sit against the premiership favourites. 

Albert Park who had the bye will look to finish off their season with a win as they host Eley Park a team they defeated earlier in the season.