PEGS stellar in a come-from-behind performance

Ari Paevere

For one of the rare occasions in the VAFA season, we’ve had a weekend where everything seemingly went to the script. 

Hampton Rovers almost pulled off a brilliant upset against PEGS down in Essendon. Holding a 27 point lead at three quarter time, it was the stuff of brilliance in the final term from the Division 1 premiers. 

7.6.48 to no score saw them close the lead, take the lead and then pull away from the Rovers. 

Will Crawford did the damage early for the green and gold, along with Christian Carnovale. But when PEGS got going it was Jack Fenner, Alex McLeod, Blake Roach and Mitchell Baker-West. 

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for the Rovers who controlled the tempo of the game for most of the afternoon. The loss still has them not safe from relegation, while PEGS victory keeps them pushing towards the top two on the table.

Another tough task awaits the Rovers this weekend, Old Ivanhoe, fresh off a bye at Boss James Reserves. PEGS head out to Carey to tackle the Panthers. 

Old Camberwell set up their 36 point victory over Old Carey in the first half with 11 goals to five. 

Riley Verbi looked dangerous again with four goals to his name. Finlayson, Laukens and Powell combined for six goals between them. 

David McColl was the man named best on ground for the Wellers as they made it six wins in a row. 

Tom Jepson kicked four goals for the Panthers, they were coming off the bye and were slow to get into the contest. They’ll be looking for a much faster start this weekend against PEGS, a side they played out a draw with in Round 7. 

Old Camberwell play host to Mazenod at Gordon Barnard Reserve. Earlier this year, it was a hard fought seven point win for the Wellers, can the Nodders turn the tables?

Mazenod enters that contest buoyed by a 77 point victory over Ormond. Fletcher Ford the focal point with six goals in a best on ground performance. 

A 28-point half time lead exploded out to 72 points at three quarter time as the Nodders put the foot down with seven goals to just one behind. 

They’ve now won three games in a row since their round eight bye and look like a threat to Old Camberwell, Old Ivanhoe and PEGS.

The Monders are languishing in the bottom two and desperate for a win. They’re 2 games behind the Rovers, and equal with Marcellin in 10th spot. Could they cause a boilover facing Parkdale Vultues this weekend? 

Parkdale didn’t have it all their own way against Marcellin in the first three quarters of the contest at Marcellin College. 

After jumping out to a 4-goal lead, Marcellin was able to get within a couple of goals by three quarter time. 

Ryan MacDermid was again stellar for the Vultures with another five goals. Luke Bailey kicked four goals in a best on ground performance. The Vultures remain a game behind Mazenod in fifth spot. This weekend could prove to be an absolute classic and determine that spot in the four come finals time. 

Josh Posar’s last month for Marcellin has been building. Eight goals across his last four games. Three on the weekend underlined his influence in the forward line. And, for the third straight week Matt Capetola features amongst the best. 

They’ll head to the bye this weekend hopeful of coming back with a winning formula in Round 14.