Chadstone earn historic win, as Bulls become last standing unbeaten side in Div 3

After a thrilling round of Division 3 football, the finals race has opened right up as the top half of the ladder bunch together.

The round opened with a historic victory from Chadstone, securing their first win in Division 3 by overrunning Eley Park by 57 points. In a high-scoring first term, the Synners led by 14 at quarter-time. Chadstone continued their flurry of goals into the second quarter, extending to a 44-point buffer, before five consecutive goals from the Sharks brought them within two kicks.

However, a goal on the cusp of halftime by captain Anthony Brown halted the Sharks momentum and turned the game back in Chadstone’s favour, winning 129-72.

11 combined goals for Brown (6) and Ben Ogilvie (5) set Chadstone up for their first Senior win in eight years, as Joshua Kubeil, Logan Stott and Jan Barnard were named best on. Eley Park look to rebound next week at home against Power House.

Swinburne University dug deep to grind out a crucial win over rival collegiate side La Trobe University. The game hung in the balance at halftime, with the Razorbacks leading by just 13 points. A determined third quarter supressed any doubt of victory, as Swinburne headed into the final change with a 29-point. A gutsy last quarter saw La Trobe reel in the margin slightly, but Swinburne held on by 18.

Despite the loss, Jonty Randall and Lachlan Webb were defiant for La Trobe in the midfield. Four goals from Swinburne’s Nick Ferguson were vital, as Tyson Wiegold, Declan Watts, and Zachary Cooke were best on ground. The Razorbacks will look to make it three in a row next week against Albert Park.

The battle of the undefeated was slated as an epic blockbuster, and it did not disappoint. In a seven-point thriller, it was North Brunswick who came from behind once again to spoil the Power House party.

Power House kicked off to a 15-point quarter-time lead, however the Bulls reigned it in to just five points by the main break. In a low-scoring third term, just three goals were scored, as Power House slightly increased their margin to nine. However, the Bulls worked their magic again for another unbelievable close victory.

Goals from Keenan Van Hees and Nick Dimarco put North Brunswick in front before Power House’s Sean Scotland nailed a major just 90 seconds later to regain the lead.

The game was then tied at 58 apiece after two North Brunswick behinds, and a draw looked on the cards. However, another behind from Mitch Hicks and a sealing goal from Adrian Sipala put an end to Power House’s unbeaten streak, whilst simultaneously keeping the Bulls’ own alive.

Keanan Van Hees, Noah Young and Cameron Lee were amongst the Bulls best in, whilst Power House’s best included Tyler Ames, Rob Dyer and Kieran Wotherspoon, who kicked three goals. An encounter with La Trobe awaits North Brunswick, as their undefeated run will once again be challenged.

Richmond Central’s season is back on track after a consistent effort rewarded a 45-point victory over Albert Park. The Snakes had three 5-goal terms, with the footy shared around amongst ten individual goal kickers.

After a commanding first quarter from Richmond Central, Albert Park doggedly fought back to reduce the margin to 11 points at halftime. The Snakes regained their first-quarter form for the second half though, as Albert Park struggled to defend their attack.

Henry Spurr, Charles Spring and Eric Nelson earned best on ground nominations, as the Snakes rise to seventh on the Div 3 ladder. Albert Park tumbles to 2-4, and their upcoming match against Swinburne looms crucial to turning the corner in 2024.

Canterbury have reminded the competition of their quality, rinsing Box Hill North by 85-points. The tone was set from the opening siren, as the Cobras scored 52-1 in the first term. The Demons fought with dignity in the second and third quarters, allowing Canterbury to only tally an additional 17 points to the margin.

The Cobras class prevailed in the fourth quarter, kicking away to a dominant victory. Brad Kelleher (5) and Tom Lowden (4) combined for nine majors, assisting a percentage-boosting win for Canterbury. Aaron D’Amato, Sean Donovan and Corey Bull were best on for Box Hill North. The Demons, who are the last yet to secure a victory this season, will look to reset following the bye next round.

With four teams separated by purely percentage, every match has significance in Round 7.

North Brunswick host La Trobe as they aim to extend their unbeaten run for another week. St John’s return from the bye with an epic encounter against the red-hot Canterbury. This match could be an early finals preview, with either side contending for a top ladder position.

Eley Park face off against Power House, with both teams coming off losses. The Sharks are aiming to end their four-game losing streak, whilst Power House will want to amend their first loss of the year.

Chadstone host Richmond Central in an underrated clash. Chadstone are finding form, and with confidence following their first win, they could challenge the Snakes at home. Swinburne close out the round against Albert Park. The Falcons are desperate for a win to turn their season around, so expect a physical contest. Box Hill North have the bye in Round 7.