Mazenod rattle the cage of the Wellers

Ari Paevere

A tight tussle opened proceedings in the top four battle between Mazenod and Old Camberwell. 

Earlier this season these two sides played off in a close encounter, and the same set up was on the cards from early on in the piece. 

The Wellers weren’t able to fully capitalise on the momentum they had garnered through the opening term, kicking 1.6.12 to the Nodders 1.0.6. 

Mazenod were able to take the lead during the second term, and despite the afternoon remaining close, didn’t lose the lead from there. Holding on for a 2-point lead as the Wellers came at them late in the game. 

Andrew Kovac was named the best player on the ground for Mazenod. Hayden Boyce kicked two of the five goals for the victors. Jack Kerr put in his best performance of the season for the Wellers. 

When the footy returns after the bye, Old Camberwell will head to EE Gunn Reserve to tackle Ormond while Mazenod play host to PEGS. 

PEGS’ 44-point victory over Old Carey keeps them half-a-game behind Old Camberwell in the top two. 

An 11-point lead at half-time was extended to 38 points as the boys from Essendon powered away from the Panthers. Daniel Flaherty and Darby Scott combined for six goals of the 13 from the home side. 

Harrison Hill was the best player for Old Carey on the day. The loss almost puts a line through the aspirations of Carey for this year’s finals campaign, however, stranger things have happened in footy. 

PEGS have now won the last two and will have every intention of making it three in a fortnight’s time. 

Parkdale Vultures thought they were in cruise control at three quarter time against Ormond. Twenty points ahead at the final change, the Monders turned the screws and gave them a real scare. 

Held to just one behind, the Vultures were able to hold off the fast-finish from Ormond. That behind became more than just handy, resulting in the final margin of the contest. 

From the eight goals kicked by the home team, Jai Elcock and Lachie Bailey kicked six of them between them. Both named amongst the best for Owen Lalor’s men. 

Will McCartney has had a strong fortnight for the Monders. Along with Matt Oaten. Both players tried everything they could to assist their team in saluting on Saturday. 

The Monders remain half a game ahead of Marcellin. Now three games behind the Rovers who produced their best win of the season to keep a gap on their arch-rivals. 

An inspired performance from the green and gold, led by Clinton Young saw Hampton give Old Ivanhoe a reality check in the race to the finals. 

In just his third game of the year, Young kicked three up forward, supported by another ex-AFL talent in Will Walker. 

Old Ivanhoe went with the Rovers through the opening half, but were stunned from then on as the home side ran away with nine goals to four after the main change.

Lachy Celantano, Cam Carmeni and Hugo Garrow all played with maturity far beyond their match experience. Christian Carnovale, buoyed by his Big V selection, proved his standing as one of the best players in Premier C. 

The Rovers will now have two weeks off to bask in this victory. Old Ivanhoe will be facing Marcellin when the footy returns. 

As it stands, going into the representative bye, Old Ivanhoe has slipped to third on the table, Mazenod are clipping at their heels. Whilst the Division 1 grand finalists of 2022 remain the teams to chase down.