Bulls and Power House remain undefeated as Div 3 takes shape

Callum Farquhar

Round 2 was filled with enthralling fixtures in Division 3, resulting in both close calls and dominant displays. The ladder is looking even across the board, with each club knowing that any win counts to gain an early high position.

Richmond Central bounced back in emphatic fashion against Box Hill North, slithering through the Demons’ defence to win 136-24. After suffering a tough loss to North Brunswick in Round 1, the Snakes rebounded in the best way possible, and now sit fifth on the ladder.

Nine goals between Henry Spurr (5), and James Rudolph (4) lifted the Snakes to an enormous victory, among Billy Browning-Briese and Charles Spring who were once again in the best.

Box Hill North’s captain Johnathon Tommasoni kicked two, landing him in the best amongst Aaron D’Amato and Tim Stanghi. The Demons are now 0-2 and will need to beat Swinburne if they are to get on the winner’s list in Round 3.

In a doggedly fought match, Power House brought home the four points against Swinburne University. An 18-point win, Power House maintained a solid barrier throughout the game, as a spirited last quarter from the Razorbacks fell short.

The Razorbacks fought tirelessly and came within just nine points at halftime as Justin Birch, Declan Watts and Jason Hawker were best on ground.

To continue their winning form, Power House’s forward line set the tone,  with multiple goals from Luke Stubbs (5) and Kieran Wotherspoon (3). Travis Scotland and Joseph Halloran were best on. Power House take on Chadstone next week as a mouthwatering 3-0 start to the year emerges.

North Brunswick survived a late scare to remain undefeated, outlasting the fast-finishing St John’s by 11 points. A 34-point three-quarter-time lead proposed a cruisy finish for the Bulls, however 4.3 to four behinds changed the tune of the game. Yet, the Bulls unbeaten streak remains intact, and currently sit atop of the Division 3 ladder.

Daniel Abou-Karroum was brilliant for St John’s, as well as last year’s Division 4 best and fairest winner Corey Ely.

Mitch Hicks and Zac Dicianni were again in the Bulls’ best players, as well as Fletcher Banfield and Tom Shembrey. North Brunswick will play their toughest competition yet in Round 3, facing 2023 finalist Canterbury, whilst the JOCs take on familiar rival Albert Park.

Eley Park have stunned Albert Park in a determined 27-point win to start their 2024 campaign. After having the bye in Round 1, the Sharks unleashed their energy from the preseason in inspiring fashion. Both the Sharks and Falcons defended tremendously in the first half, with a 17-10 halftime scoreline. Eley Park had pulled away by the final siren, keeping Albert Park to just four goals.

Winning their first game since Round 15 2023, Aaron Williams and Zac Hayes were undisputed in defence, as Jesiah Mcgarvie played impressively up forward.

Eley Park coach Matt Embling said, “the work rate was excellent from siren-to-siren” and was pleased with the performance of new recruits.

Albert Park’s inaccuracy in front of goal was costly, kicking 12 behinds. They’ll look to return to their Round 1 form against St John’s in what will be a tight Division 4 finals rematch.

Canterbury returned to their best against Chadstone, winning comfortably by 75 points. Chadstone played a gritty first half, only trailing by seven at one stage of the second quarter. A second half flurry 10-2 goals saw the Cobras find their groove though, as Tom Lowden and Nic McMahon kicked four each.

Reith Fraser and Michael Topp joined skipper James Boarotto in Canterbury’s best, as they move up to seventh on the ladder.

The Synners’ captain Anthony Brown kicked three majors, as Angus Letzing and Hristos Millaras made the best. Chadstone will take on Power House in Round 3, as they aim to improve on their season’s start.

Next week’s fixture provides plenty of exciting matchups.

It starts at Canterbury’s home deck, as they clash with North Brunswick. The Cobras are a formidable side with confidence from their Round 2 win, but the Bulls are on an unstoppable winning streak. Will it come to an end this weekend?

Power House will also hope to remain unbeaten, playing Chadstone at home. Power House may walk in as favourites, however after two physical contests, it may give the Synners a chance to overrun a fatigued side. Their first half against Canterbury proves they can compete with the best.

La Trobe University return from the bye and will host an Eley Park side full of belief. The Sharks will be targeting a second-consecutive win, but La Trobe will be rested and ready to rebound from their Round 1 loss. This game could go either way.

Box Hill North play Swinburne University in a must-win clash. Despite a second-place finish in 2023, the Demons are 0-2 and need to win against Swinburne to get their season back on track. A win for the Razorbacks will place them comfortably inside the top half of the ladder.

St John’s and Albert Park close out the round in a high-stakes game. Both sides are 1-1, yet have been competitive in their losses. With both teams chasing premiership glory, this game will be a physical contest to avoid a losing record. A blockbuster match.

Richmond Central have the bye in Round 3.