Teams find their feet with some big margins in Div 3’s season opener

Callum Farquhar

After a long off-season, the new formation of Division 3 football is finally underway. There were big wins and tight contests across the board, as every club aimed to set the tone for what will be a hotly contested season.

St John’s started their season in impressive fashion, producing a consistent four-quarter performance to beat La Trobe University by 93 points. The JOCs came firing out of the gates and never trailed in their first match in Division 3.

Laurence Kazinoti had a strong performance for St John’s, whilst fellow teammate Matthew Carnelley kicked a bag of six. Captain Connor McCredden was among the best for La Trobe, as well as Tate Spiteri who snagged four goals.

St John’s will aim to carry this momentum next week when they come up against familiar foe North Brunswick, in what looms to be a blockbuster.

Power House and Canterbury duelled in a contest for the ages, a match that highlighted the competitiveness of the reformed Division 3. Power House overcame a 27-point deficit at three quarter time, scoring 28 consecutive points to run out 7-point victors.

Canterbury produced monster second and third terms, scoring 11 goals to 5, however faltered in the last to lose heartbreakingly. James Boarotto’s four goals landed him in the best for the Cobras, as well as Mitch Szabo and Jayden Cutts.

Endeavouring for finals footy in 2024, Power House’s Jordan Eliezer and Max McCulloch lead the way for an incredible comeback. An intriguing game against Swinburne University next week could shape up to be an indicator of Power House’s potential in 2024.

Swinburne University started their campaign in the best way possible, unloading a barrage of goals against Chadstone. The 139-point winners kicked away immediately, with a 44-point margin at just quarter time. The Razorbacks never took the foot off the pedal as they recorded the biggest win of the round.

Jed Toner, Aidan Vesty and Thomas Hartney were best on for the Razorbacks. In Chadstone’s first game of Senior football since 2016, Hristos Millaras, Logan Scott and Caleb Rudd were a few of the Demons’ best men.

Albert Park set their 2024 season alight as a dominant second half saw them beat a plucky Box Hill North side. Box Hill North put up a commendable effort, as they were within just 13 points at halftime. However, the Falcons hit another gear, storming home to win by 39 points.

After finishing runners-up in Division 4 last year, the Falcons motivation is high, and it was evident on Saturday as they maintained four quarters of pressure. In a sharp-shooting display, Albert Park kicked 20.6, including a sensational 10-goal performance by Jack Lee. Christopher Marson (5) was also a significant contributor to the scoreboard and amongst the Falcons best.

The Demons would be understandably gutted following this loss, as they bowed out in straight sets to this Falcons team in 2023’s preliminary final. Joshua Jellyman-Turner and Kyle Hocking both contributed to the scoreboard over the weekend and were best-on-ground, along with Joshua Hocking, Thomas Francis and Samuel Kenna. The Demons will play Richmond Central next week, with both clubs attempting to get on the winners list this season.

North Brunswick picked up where they left off from last season, dismantling Richmond Central by a comfortable 45 points. After winning the Division 4 Premiership in 2023, the Bulls continued their hot form against new opposition, as they charge for back-to-back flags. The Snakes played grittily against North Brunswick but couldn’t maintain enough scoreboard pressure to give themselves a shout.

Mitch Hicks and Ethan Aitken both kicked three majors, as Zac Dicianni and Joel Grimmond were in the best for North Brunswick.

Dermot Dignam, Charles Spring and Jack Bilson join captain Billy Browning-Briese amongst the best for Richmond Central.

Looking across to next week, Richmond Central will take on Box Hill North, headlining what will be a round of close contests. Both sides come off similar losses and are poised to play with intensity in Round 2.

Swinburne University host Power House as they attempt to back-up their classy Round 1 performance. This match-up will determine the quality of both teams, as Swinburne intend to prove they have advanced from 2023, whilst Power House will gain a formidable reputation for starting the season undefeated. This game has plenty at stake.

St John’s will face off against North Brunswick in a match that will test their quality. Facing the reigning Division 4 Premiers will be an almighty battle, however the JOC’s will arrive with confidence following last week’s result. The same can be said about the Bulls though, who look to continue their undefeated streak.

Eley Park will play their first match this weekend after having the bye in Round 1. After a big preseason, the Sharks will test their development against Albert Park. The Falcons will be targeting a 2-0 start against Eley Park, as they make the journey out to Whitehorse Reserve.

Chadstone and Canterbury complete Round 2’s matches out at Jordan Reserve, with both teams feeling vengeful. Chadstone will aim to defend their home ground after a big loss, whilst the Cobras are going to come out firing after gut-wrenching defeat to Power House. La Trobe University have the bye in Round 2.