North Brunswick a game clear on top, as St John’s annihilate the competition

Callum Farquhar

Unbeaten streaks, thrashings and bounce back victories highlighted a weekend of strong performances in Division 3’s fourth round of the season.

Canterbury struck back against Richmond Central, following a heartbreaking defeat in Round 3. Kicking the first four goals of the game, the Cobras raced away to an early lead that was never reigned in. The Cobras consistent effort over the game condemned the Snakes to a 54-point loss.

Canterbury’s Brad Kelleher (6) and Jayden Cutts (5) combined for 11 of the Cobra’s 20, landing them in the best with Reuben Crawford-Rust.

Shane Geoghegan and Angus Marshall were defiant in defeat for Richmond Central. They host the undefeated Power House next week in a match that could shape their season’s trajectory.

North Brunswick have done it again. Despite being down by 21 at the major break, the Bulls have come from behind for the second consecutive week to beat Swinburne University by 41 points.

An inaccurate start from North Brunswick saw them goalless in the opening term, as the Razorbacks created a ten-point buffer. That lead extended into halftime as Swinburne kicked four goals to two.

However, the Bulls never-say-die attitude hardly waivered, kicking seven goals to one in the premiership quarter. North Brunswick’s defence solidified the result, constricting the Razorbacks to just a point in the last.

Joel Grimmond was once again in the best for the Bulls, joining multiple goalkickers Simon Woodward and Luke Russell. For Swinburne, Justin Burch, Salvatore Amenta, and Tyson Wiegold were best on. Sitting fourth at 2-2, the Razorbacks play Eley Park next week in a chance to rectify their record.

A fast-starting La Trobe University defeated Box Hill North by 48 points, thanks to a seven-goal first term. Despite a committed effort for the rest of the match, the Demons were unable to cut down on La Trobe’s 35-point quarter time lead.

Connor McCredden proved to be dominant again down back, regarded as best on field for La Trobe. Midfielders Hugo O’Callaghan, Lachlan Webb and Archie Conboy were also among La Trobe’s best.

Mauled by injuries currently, captain Jonathan Tommasoni strived to lead his undermanned Demons squad with an impressive three-goal haul. Joshua Hocking’s four were equally as important, and saw him best on for Box Hill North. The Demons will regroup and go again at home against St John’s in Round 5, as they look to amend their 0-4 start.

St John’s have sent an intimidating message to the competition this week, with a staggering 212-point annihilation of Eley Park. A 64-point first quarter lead set the tone for match, as the Sharks struggled to defend the JOCs’ formidable forward line.

St John’s kicked 38 goals for the match, 19 of which were kicked by new recruit Matthew Carnelley. In his three matches this year, Carnelley has kicked six, two and now 19, in what could be the signing of the year.

Eley Park are another side who have been decimated by injuries as they slip to 1-2 for the season. Ben Field and Matt Gallagher provided run and carry for the Sharks, kicking a goal each to boot. Joel Kennedy and Zac Hayes gave effort all day as they landed in the Sharks’ best.

Albert Park have responded to a triple-figure loss last week with their own triple-figure win against Chadstone on Saturday.

Chadstone started impressively, going into quarter-time leading by a goal. The Falcons found momentum in the second term, kicking five goals to none. Albert Park outscored the Synners 101-20 in the second half, cruising to their second win of the season.

Braiden Leong, Hristos Millaras, Bethel Loh and Joshua Kubeil were among the best for Chadstone.

Falcon forward Jack Lee kicked 11 goals, beating his ten-goal performance in Round 1. Henry Olive and Dan Young were also of significant influence in the match.

It was an important win for the Falcons, who had suffered two losses in a row coming into the game. A blockbuster fixture with Canterbury next week will demonstrate if the Falcons are back on track.

With the season in full swing, let’s take a look at Round 5’s fixture.

Richmond Central host Power House who are coming in fresh off the bye in an intriguing matchup. Despite sitting at 1-2, the Snakes have had a tough fixture, and this match against the unbeaten Power House will demonstrate if they are a genuine finals threat.

La Trobe play Chadstone at home, with the opportunity to boost their percentage well-poised. A 2-1 record sits La Trobe in sixth, however a win against the Synners could see them soar up the ladder.

Swinburne University face off against Eley Park at home. The Razorbacks are targeting a third win for the year, but a spirited Eley Park will play with some fight after their heavy loss. It emerges as a doggedly-fought contest to come.

Box Hill North are aiming to open their account against St Johns, however the JOC’s fearsome form shapes as an extreme task to overcome. Victory from St Johns could see them atop the Division 3 ladder, as North Brunswick have the bye this week.

The 2-2 sides of Canterbury and Albert Park face off in a predicted tight contest. With a well-positioned ladder spot up for grabs, there is plenty at stake for these two sides.