Old Geelong and De La Salle create an intriguing finals race

Josh Heriot

As the battle to the finals continues to bubble away, St Bernards have come away from round 15 with their hearts full of confidence, extending four games clear on top of the ladder. With three rounds to come, third and fourth spot are still up for the taking with De La Salle, Old Geelong, St Bedes/Mentone, and Beaumaris all in the hunt.

The top two sides took to the field at the Brunswick Street Oval in a battle that was played in twilight conditions. St Bernards got the better of Fitzroy by 13 points, but it was certainly a tighter contest than their previous encounter played in round 8.

For the Snowdogs, it was rare to see the Roys post a score of 73 considering they’ve been able to keep teams to an average of 51.8 points a game, leading the competition in this category. However, it was a gallant performance from Fitzroy who kicked five final quarter goals as they pushed the Snowdogs to the bell. Ted Clayton kept them in the hunt with two majors as the Roys finished with 10 individual goal kickers. Mark Gregory provided some quality service for the Snowdogs, as he was named their best with Charlie Vague and also Daniel Mott each kicking three.

After some off field drama, Beaumaris were last week informed that they had been stripped of any premiership points gained in round 11 and 12 for exceeding their player points with an Independent Integrity Panel making a final judgement. With the ladder adjusted on Friday, a win for the Sharks was ever important to stay in touch with the finals race. De La Salle spoilt the party however, with a ten-point win at Waverley Oval.

The match was tight throughout the afternoon with Nathan Scollo kicking four for De La Salle and Steven Karvellas named their best. For the Sharks, they remain a game behind De La Salle, Old Geelong, and St Bedes/Mentone but a strong percentage could see them climb up the ladder if they are to win next week against Old Geelong.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers were victorious over the Monash Blues by 65 points with Michael Barnes kicking five for the afternoon and Brayden O’Toole booting four.

The Tigers found themselves in control for much of the afternoon including a powerful final quarter which saw them kick six goals. Will Snookes battled up forward for the Blues with three majors with Nixon Hall named their best player.

Old Geelong was able to win convincingly against Old Trinity at Como Park as they continue the push for a top four spot. Mickey Nicholls booted four majors for the afternoon to progress his yearly total to 31.

Harrison Kol also managed to find the goals with three majors. Despite a three-point difference at the main break, Old Geelong stormed clear in the second half with 12 goals.

The final match of the round in Premier B saw Williamstown CYMS string together a solid performance as they prevailed against AJAX by 59 points.

AJAX began well with the scores locked in a tie at the first break. But Williamstown were able to pull away during the remainder of the match via the work of Zachary Provest and William Smyth who both kicked four goals. Tane Roordink wasn’t far behind with three goals as he was named Williamstown’s best player.

So, what can we look forward to in Round 16? The most intrigue will be with Beaumaris as they face Old Geelong in what can only be described as a ding dong battle. If the Sharks are to win it could see them jump back into the top four, while for Geelong, a win would help their finals aspirations and make it all the more difficult for Beaumaris. Fitzroy will be hoping to bounce back against St Bedes/Mentone with Old Trinity to face De La Salle. Meanwhile the Snowdogs will clash with Ajax with the final match to see Monash Blues and Williamstown do battle.