Ben Black

What a week of football in the penultimate round of the home and away season. A loss to both UHS-VU and Therry Penola leaves the door for fourth spot wide open, in what will be decided in a head-to-head showdown. So, let’s unpack the Round 17 results for the weekend gone.

Kew FC vs Oakleigh

After the Ashes just gone you could tell Oakleigh took a page out of Ben Stokes and Brendan McCullum’s ‘Bazball’ tactics as they blasted out of the blocks early on in the first term, posting a nine goal to two deficit at Kew’s Victoria Park.

One man who stood in the Bears way was Aaron Cloke, the Division 1 goal kicking headache for defenders was electric as he took on a great duel with Bear’s skipper, Max Waters. Three early majors to Cloke set the tone for the day for the Krushers. Michael Hannon’s influence somewhat stemmed the flow for the Bears with a classy major from the boundary line, which silenced his critics over the fence.

The Krushers didn’t stop there with Cloke still proving a headache for Bears and his right-hand man, Luke Ashen, chimed in with seven majors of his own; the duo docked an impressive 17 goals between them for the day.

The gallant Bears refused to wave the white flag and tried their best to chase down the Krushers. Underrated midfielder/forward for Kew, Regan Smith, achieved a personal best with six classy majors, whilst Ted Nornley worked tirelessly in the midfield. A high scoring affair at Victoria Park with 249 points between both teams (158-91) was a classy display of skill in front of the big sticks at both ends of the ground.

Old Peninsula vs Ivanhoe

Old Peninsula hosted the Hoers down at the Harry McDonald oval. The first term saw a great start from the Pirates as Jake Lovett and Ben Williamson provided some fireworks out of the midfield, whilst livewire Bailey Payze was shifted as a permanent forward all game and was one of the best on the ground with six majors.

The Hoers did provide a comeback in the second term, getting plenty of the ball but kicking an inaccurate 6.6. Ivanhoe did have Ash Close who was able to convert three majors, whilst Wayne Schultz was able to provide moments for the Hoers. The Pirates fought back after the main break and came away with a handy six goal victory to gather their seventh win for the season.

Therry Penola vs Prahran

At John Pascoe Reserve the Lions hosted the Two Blues in what could have been a season ladder shaping game for both teams. The Lions got the early use of being on top, as Cairan Wrigglesworth helped guide Therry to an early break over the Two Blues. Jonathan Simoetta proved he has still got it by adding 4 exceptional majors that really kept the Two Blues in the game.

With scores all tied at half time, the Lions came out for the third term feeling that they could take the game to another level. Connor Kilbane provided three goals which really started to build the momentum for the Lions. But it was the experience out of the Two Blues side that really saw them unexpectedly get over the line a brilliant 50-point final term. James Musster and Matt Clifford really stepped up and demonstrated that extra level of experience to see their side win by 28 points.

Preston Bullants vs West Brunswick

The Bullants go marching in for another win, this time against the Magpies. It was a clean start as Preston was able to maximise their goal kicking prowess by capitalising on their accuracy. The Patrick duo in Taylor and Davies had 3 majors each, whilst the Magpies were kept in the game through Ben Ablett and Herbert Fithall. But it was the Bullants who had support all through the ground and numerous players played their part, culminating in 10 different goal scorers.

The game was essentially won in the Premiership quarter, with the Bullants simply adding the cherry on top in the fourth, extending their margin out to 51 points.

Glen Eira vs UHS-VU

The Glen Eira Gryphons have had a breakout season and show no signs of slowing down as finals looms. UHS looked shaky in front of goals on home soil and went into half time four goals down but could have easily been within a kick or even in front if they kicked straight.

Joel Chilcott was a hero for the Gryphons with five handy majors, with teammate Sean Bass pocketing 4 goal, to keep the Vultures at an arm’s length. Jesse Maxfield proved to be a class act all day and provided a best on ground performance. It was an A-team performance by Glen Eira, adding yet another win to their bow to round out the season coming away with a 65-point victory.